If you have dreams of someday owning
your own business, or if you’re already an entrepreneur and want to sharpen
your management skills, keep an eye on this space. Here, you’ll find concise
answers to common small business questions, tips on finding new customers and
keeping old ones happy, and insights into business-related issues you may never
have thought of, but should.
This space is where you will find
“Ask SCORE,” a series of informative columns provided by SCORE “Counselors to
America’s Small Business.” SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to the
success of small business in America. The “Ask SCORE” columns address a wide
range of business topics and provide insights into how to address particular
business situations or issues. The columns also provide a sample of the kind of
business advice an entrepreneur can expect from a SCORE business counselor.
Even with these regular columns,
there are many other topics and issues small business owners need to consider.
Feel free to call SCORE for assistance. More than 10,500 volunteer business
counselors donate their time and expertise to provide advice, explanations and
information about small business ownership. SCORE business counselors are
working and retired business owners, executives and managers—who have
real-world knowledge and experience to share with you.
SCORE business counselors have
particular expertise in business planning and help numerous business start-ups
through the detailed and time consuming task of preparing a business plan,
complete with financial projections. Often, start-up companies need to seek out
sources of capital. SCORE business counselors will assist the aspiring
entrepreneur with the preparation of the loan application package, which
includes a business plan. Many clients request team counseling, in which
several counselors with varied business experience will meet with a business
owner to review strategies and plan for future business growth.
All SCORE counseling is offered as a
free and confidential community service. There are 389 SCORE chapters around
the country assisting entrepreneurs. While counseling is always free-of-charge,
local SCORE chapters also offer small business workshops and seminars for
modest fees.
If you would like to discuss business planning, business growth strategies or a specific business issue, contact SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business”. To contact the Greater Binghamton Score Chapter 217 for assistance call 607-772-8860 or 1-800 -920-6972. You may also contact SCORE for person to person counseling appointments at the above telephone numbers. If you are already in business onsite assistance is also available.