For more than 10 years, Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) has partnered with HCDC, Inc. to provide support services to Uptown businesses. Bob Pickford, a business coach at HCDC, works one-on-one with business owners to grow their organizations and address individual needs. While HCDC offers some one-off services, Pickford finds that its more beneficial to maintain long-term relationships with the businesses he supports.
Bob Pickford, HCDC Business Coach
“Most small businesses are managed by their owners without the benefit of a professional management team, so for the people who find it useful, I bring an experienced management perspective to the process to rise up above daily struggles and think strategically about their business,” said Pickford.
Pickford works with small and large companies and nonprofits—from third-generation businesses to startups—in the five Uptown neighborhoods. HCDC offers a variety of coaching services tailored to the individual needs of each business, including identifying revenue enhancement strategies, increasing marketing efforts, setting business and financial goals, preparing business plans, applying for MBE or WBE certification, securing financing and more.
“Bob has helped me immensely to grow my business. I honestly have never received this much useful assistance, insight and perspective. It has really alleviated my fear and uncertainty in running my business,” said J.D. Sandipher, owner of Avon Home Improvement, who worked with Pickford for several years.
However, with state-wide shutdowns beginning in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainties regarding a timeframe to reopen, Pickford’s work looks a little different.
“The COVID-19 crisis has impacted our small businesses, the lifeblood of our community, and HCDC has been on the front line working to educate businesses of all sizes on the evolving landscape of emergency small business support from local, state, and federal government,” said Pat Longo, president, and CEO of HCDC.
Gabriel’s Place
Throughout the past few weeks, Pickford has worked closely with Uptown businesses and nonprofits to secure economic injury disaster loans, paycheck protection program loans, and unemployment insurance benefits. While each business may have different opportunities, Pickford says it’s important for owners to know that help is available—and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
“We're already thinking and working with others in the community to make certain that appropriate resources are available when the shutdown ends and businesses are able to reopen again,” said Pickford.
HCDC works for businesses throughout the city as well, not just in Uptown. The nonprofit focuses on economic development, business incubation and business lending to support business growth throughout Hamilton County.
Businesses located in Uptown that are interested in business coaching or coronavirus relief support can contact Bob Pickford at bpickford@hcdc.com. For more information about HCDC and additional resources available to local businesses, visit www.hcdc.com.