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As you work on your first startup, you’ll have questions. Working with a startup consultant can be a fast and effective way to get answers: a consultant can provide concrete guidance on methods to reduce the costs of creating a new business whole, finding capital, developing a business plan, and more. A good startup consultant has worked with several new businesses — ideally, he’s even started a few companies of his own — and can recognize potential problems far in advance. While a startup may not be sure that a consultant is worth the price tag, many consultants can find ways to save on other startup costs. Not every startup need’s a consultant’s help, of course — but if you find yourself struggling with the business aspect of your startup, a consultant can smooth your path.
- McStartup
Services Offered: One-on-one consultation.
Experience: Jeff Ready, the consultant behind McStartup, founded four companies and an industry-trade group before he turned 29. He regularly advises startups and sits on the boards on a number of technology companies. - Haywood Consulting Group
Services Offered: Business plan development, financial modeling, partner coordination, board support.
Experience: Charles Haywood, the principal of the Haywood Consulting Group, founded Mansfield-King and Red Robot, along with three other businesses. - E-Business Startup Consultant
Services Offered: Online business development.
Experience: Yeon Hong, the E-Business Startup Consultant, has founded several businesses, including an award-winning design firm. - Casey Software
Services Offered: One-on-one consultation, infrastructure.
Experience: Keith Casey has launched several startups of his own, as well as consulting on many more. - Venture Archetypes
Services Offered: Venture strategy, business plan development, partner coordination, board development.
Experience: Venture Archetype has an extensive client list, and has worked with startups from the U.S, India, China, Latin America, and other countries. - StartUP Consultants
Services Offered: Business development, financial planning.
Experience: StartUP Consultants maintains a confidential client list. - HJ Ventures
Services Offered: Business plan development, venture strategy, market research.
Experience: HJ Ventures has had successes helping clients find venture capital from a number of different investors, including angel investors. - Smart Entrepreneur
Services Offered: Partner coordination, management consulting.
Experience: Akhil Shahani, the principal of Smart Entrepreneur, is a serial entrepreneur with four startups of his own. - Alkamae
Services Offered: Startup consulting for women, business plan development, branding.
Experience: Dr. Susan L. Reid, the woman behind Alkamae, has a long list of past clients — and enthusiastic testimonials from all of them. - Super Startup Solutons
Services Offered: Management consulting, business development.
Experience: Super Startup Solutions’ principals have over two decades of experience working with both big businesses and individual entrepreneurs.
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I’d like to add TandemSpring to the list. They are a consultancy out of Chicago that has helped dozens of small businesses and startups with everything from strategy and business planning to getting investor materials put together and even business coaching. They have helped successfully launch a number of businesses and they can help you.