After years of intensive study, Kacey Boos knew everything she needed to know to become a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner and a licensed acupuncturist. However, she would need to learn about starting a new business from scratch. Western treatments did not help enough. I changed my diet. I got into yoga.
And my entire life was just wonderful after that. Kacey now knew what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to bring the benefits of nutrition, herbal medicine and acupuncture to improve the lives of others as much as hers was improved.
I got three job offers and I was going to head there. Then, I halted and rethought everything. Kacey quickly realized that in order to open a clinic and run a successful business, it was not enough to be an expert on Chinese medicine.
She needed to know much more. It was like, where should I do it? Where am I going to get the funds? Her first step was to talk to other acupuncturists in Berkshire County to get ideas. They were extremely encouraging. She then started to look at real estate on North Street. But, I had no idea how to go about getting one. Kacey met with Laurie to describe her vision and goals, but she had not put together a business plan.
At the meeting, Laurie told her about the Technical Assistance Grants that are available for startups. However, a business plan would be needed to apply. Kacey had no experience with business plans and did not know where to begin. It provides free, confidential, one-to-one business assistance.
