Below are some of the questions most frequently asked about Prospera. For additional information, please contact one of our offices and one of our team members will be glad to assist you.
FAQ
How can Prospera help my business?
Prospera can help business owners and entrepreneurs with individual consulting, education and access to valuable resources. Services include individual and personalized business consulting, access to experts on different business aspects and industries, guidance on minority certification, business seminars in Spanish to sharpen skills and prepare to start or grow your business, grants to obtain additional professional services paid and vetter by Prospera, and access to capital from traditional banks or microlenders.
At what point in my business should I contact Prospera?
The sooner the better! If you haven’t begun or registered it yet, Prospera can provide you with tips to start your business in the right direction. Prospera can help entrepreneurs during the start-up phase, to analyze your business idea before you act on it. And if you already own a business, Prospera can help you resolves challenges, grow and strengthen your company, and increase your success.
What is the difference between a loan and a Prospera business grant? Can you get both?
Yes, you could receive both types of assistance.
Prospera assists entrepreneurs in the process of applying for loans (commercial, SBA or microloans) from other sources. If obtained, loans are money that must eventually be paid back to the lender, usually with interest costs.
Prospera business grants are free of cost, do not have to be repaid, and are subcontracted business development projects awarded to entrepreneurs and paid by Prospera. They include business plans, marketing and sales plans, legal and accounting assessments, branding and QuickBooks® dedicated consulting.
Do I have to pay for services at Prospera?
Voluntary donations help Prospera continue delivering services to entrepreneurs without charging for its programs. Prospera works to raise funds throughout the year to cover expenses and continue investing in our community.
Where does Prospera offer services?
Prospera has offices in Tampa, Orlando, Kissimmee, Doral/Miami, and Charlotte, NC. Staff members will often deliver services in additional cities across Florida and North Carolina. Please call and schedule an appointment or to get more information.
What is the first step to obtain assistance from Prospera?
The first step to get assistance if you do not have an established business, or if your business has been established recently, is to attend a Prospera startup orientation. This seminar covers basic information, such as legal and tax structure options, licenses and permits, state regulations, and financing options. All seminars are offered in Spanish and open to the public.
If you already have an established business and are looking to strengthen or expand it, you can schedule an appointment with a business development consultant, who can assist you in identifying short and long-term needs and opportunities, as well as resources Prospera can offer to develop your business.
What makes Prospera unique?
The Prospera service model is unique and integral. All of our services have been designed and improved for 28 years, specifically for the Hispanic entrepreneur. They are all available in Spanish and some in English. And we can help you at any stage of business, from idea to growth.
Clients can receive assistance from Prospera business development consultants, subcontracted professionals in different fields, workshop presenters who are subject matter experts, and community volunteers from different sectors and industries who play key roles throughout our organization.
What are donations used for at Prospera?
Donations make all Prospera services possible—from educational programs to consulting and business grants—so that more Hispanic entrepreneurs can achieve their business ownership dream, succeed as small business owners, and create jobs in our communities.
How can I support Prospera's mission with a financial contribution?
Thank you for your support! You can donate as much and often as you would like. There are several options to make financial contributions toward Prospera programs. You can provide an individual or corporate donation in the amount desired; support our special events by attending or becoming an event sponsor; take advantage of an annual sponsorship level and many benefits; and others.
Please visit prosperausa.org/donate or call us at 407-413-8564 for more information.
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