Customer Story

Ben Calhoun: Clemson Small Business Development Center

Background

The Clemson Small Business Development Center is part of South Carolina's network of 20 area SBDCs that assist over 6,000 clients annually through seminars, resources, and free consulting. Ben Calhoun, area manager and business development specialist at the Clemson SBDC, uses his 20 years of experience in consulting, management, and consumer finance to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. The Clemson SBDC's efforts have contributed to the creation of over 500 new operations and over $383 million in capital formation over the past two decades.

"Through the forecast, clients can get a quick comparison of how small adjustments to strategy and structure can make a big impact on the bottom line."

Ben Calhoun

Area Manager, Clemson SBDC

Problem

Ben and his team faced the challenge of efficiently guiding entrepreneurs through the complex process of business planning, forecasting, and strategy development. They needed a versatile tool that could accommodate various business types and stages while facilitating meaningful conversations between consultants and clients. Additionally, the SBDC required a solution that could streamline their consulting process, help their clients plan for best, worst and middle ground scenarios, and provide ongoing support for businesses as they grow and evolve.

Clemson Small Business Development Center Area Manager Ben Calhoun in front of a monitor displaying LivePlan.

Solution

After testing LivePlan with a small group of clients, Ben recognized its potential and successfully pitched it to his regional director for broader implementation. The SBDC adopted LivePlan as their preferred business planning tool, using its forecasting, planning, and pitch features to guide entrepreneurs through every stage of their business journey. The platform's versatility allowed consultants to work through multiple scenarios, compare strategies, and model the impact of business decisions on their clients' bottom lines.

Outcome

LivePlan has become an integral part of the Clemson SBDC's consulting process, enabling more effective and engaging interactions with clients. The tool's forecasting capabilities have made it easier for consultants to demonstrate how small adjustments in strategy can significantly impact a business's financial performance. LivePlan's comment feature has improved communication between consultants and clients, keeping entrepreneurs engaged between meetings and allowing for quick assistance when they encounter challenges. The platform has also proven valuable for internal training, helping the SBDC prepare student workers, new employees, and interns. By encouraging clients to regularly revisit their business plans and projections within LivePlan, the SBDC has empowered entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.