The LEAST appropriate FIRST step is to help her get a small business loan. This would be premature and risky, as it would involve committing to a financial obligation without having a clear and realistic business plan. It would also bypass the important steps of assessing her strengths, interests, needs, and goals, as well as researching the market and the feasibility of her business idea. The other options are more appropriate and helpful because:
A. Visiting local businesses would help her to learn from other entrepreneurs, network with potential partners or customers, and identify the opportunities and challenges of running a business in her community.
B. Determining her prior work experience would help her to evaluate her skills, knowledge, and abilities, as well as her areas of improvement and development. It would also help her to showcase her qualifications and achievements to potential investors or lenders.
C. Learning why she wants to start her own business would help her to clarify her vision, mission, and values, as well as her motivation and passion. It would also help her to set realistic and attainable goals and objectives for her business. References:
CESP Candidate Handbook, page 12, Domain 2: Individualized Employment and Career Planning, Task
2.20: Self-employment resources for job seeker, Knowledge of 2.20.1: Self-employment options and resources CESP Practice Exam, question 5, answer C: The job seeker's strengths, interests, needs and conditions for employment.