Is there a cost to participate in B-GAP?

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There is no direct cost to you to participate in the full B-GAP program, if you:

1. Are an NJSBDC client,
2. Meet the participation criteria and
3. Agree to the Commitment Agreement.

This is a service currently provided through your federal and state tax dollars at work for you through Northwest NJSBDC.

However if you are not a NJSBDC client, do not meet the participate criteria or do not sign the Commitment Agreement, there is no current opportunity to participate in a comprehensive Assessment and consulting program as provided by B-GAP Advisors.

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How can I participate in B-GAP?

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To participate in the full B-GAP program, you must:

1. Be an NJSBDC client and
2. Meet the Participation Criteria and
3. Sign the Participation/Management Commitment Agreement

You must complete a B-GAP Request to Participate and be accepted by the B-GAP Advisors.

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What are the Participation Criteria for B-GAP?

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To participate in B-GAP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have revenue of $1 million or more
• Have 10 or more employees
• Sign the Participation Agreement

If you don't meet these criteria, you may wish to check out other 3rd party programs which are primarily education-based. Some of these contain limited one-on-one consulting and most have charges associated with them.

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Can I be part of the B-GAP if my company doesn't meet the Participation Criteria?

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The full B-GAP program is only available to businesses that meet the criteria and make the required Participation/Management Commitment. So the short answer is “No you may not be a B-GAP participant”.

B-GAP was designed for SMBs that have gotten beyond their initial start-up phase and have adequate resources to adhere to the Participation Commitment.

If you don't meet these criteria, you may wish to check out other 3rd party programs that address a company's long-term growth plans. Most of these programs are of an educational variety and may provide limited one-on-one consulting.

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What are my alternatives if I can't become a B-GAP client/participant?

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The following alternative is available through Northwest NJSBDC for non B-GAP clients/participants.

• You are eligible for the standard repetoire of SBDC services or

You may search for other growth acclerator programs which are usually education-based. None use the protocol or methodology that sets B-GAP apart from other programs

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Can I use B-GAP for one of my clients instead of my own business/company?

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The full B-GAP program is only available to businesses that meet the criteria and make the required Participation/Management Commitment. So the short answer is “No you may not be a B-GAP participant”.

B-GAP was designed for SMBs that have gotten beyond their initial start-up phase and have adequate resources to adhere to the Participation Commitment.

If you don't meet these criteria, you may wish to check out other 3rd party programs that address a company's long-term growth plans. Most of these programs are of an educational variety and may provide limited one-on-one consulting.

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How is B-GAP different from other growth accelerator programs?

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The B-GAP (Business Growth Accelerator Protocol) has the following characteristics that set it apart from other accelerator programs:

• Starts with a comprehensive assessment that covers all areas of the business
• Produces an in-depth Initial Report containing recommendations for projects designed to remove growth impediments or stimulate growth activity
• Provides on-going, intensive one-on-one consulting with an approved B-GAP Advisor
• Keeps its focus on outcomes that strategically support/stimulate growth opportunities

Most other growth accelerator programs are education-based with limited or no one-on-one consulting.

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