Business owners get free advice at meeting

Ian Campbell opened his furniture store along Merrick Boulevard a few weeks ago, and he learned he forgot a crucial part of starting the venture.
Creating a business plan.
The importance of having a business plan was the focus of the monthly meeting of business owners in southeast Queens. The gathering is organized by the Local Development Corporation of Laurelton, Rosedale, and Springfield Gardens (LDCLRS). The group aims to improve the commercial district in the three Queens communities.
“There are successful businesses with no business plan,” said Al Titone, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at York College. “But, there are many, many, many, many more you have never heard of.”
When Titone asked the dozen of business owners in attendance how many had a plan, the response was overwhelmingly negative.
Titone told the group it was important to have a business plan because it helps owners focus and it helps them understand all their financial needs. Titone said his group will help owners create a business model. There is no charge to use his services because the Small Business Development Center is a federally-funded organization.
“You already paid for our services,” Titone said. “You are out of your mind if you do not use them.”
Campbell is the owner of Cameo Furniture along Merrick Boulevard and admitted he did not have a business plan.
“It was very informative,” Campbell said. “I am definitely going to try to call them and start one [a plan].”
Campbell said he thought by having a business plan he would get a leg-up on his competitors and would have a successful shop.
At the meeting there was also information from the 105th Precinct about having more police officers on Merrick Boulevard. Recently, there had been several robberies along the commercial strip.
Community Affairs Officer, Detective Jovoda Cooper, said there will be rookie cops walking up and down the street at least once a week. She added that the officers will speak to store owners to get to know them and their problems.
Cooper asked the merchants to be friendly with the cops and not give them a difficult time if they ask for information.
The next meeting of the LDCLRS will be on November 1 at 8 a.m. The meetings are held at 226-19 Merrick Boulevard.