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new ventures business development provides resources for starting and growing businesses

Consulting

Service Corps of Retired Executives

A drawing of a businessman checking his watch illustrates SCORE consulting services.

SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is comprised of 12,400 volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories. SCORE was formed in 1964 and over 4,000,000 Americans have utilized its services

SCORE's experienced business experts provide general business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash management, to help evaluating the fair purchase or sales price for an existing business. Counselors provide insight into how to start a business, operate a business, buy a business or franchise, and sell a business.

The key qualification SCORE counselors bring to clients is real-world experience. SCORE business counselors have general management experience and specific industry experience that can benefit your business. SCORE counselors may be working or retired business owners, executives, or operations managers. All SCORE counselors receive training in counseling.

All SCORE counselors honor the client's right to proprietary and confidential information. Each year, counselors reaffirm their commitment to the Code of Ethics in writing.

SCORE Counselors are trained to guide the Small Business client in:

  • Evaluating business prospects.
  • Building marketing plans.
  • Generating business plans, and
  • Seeking financial assistance when needed.

For more information about SCORE counseling, please contact the Charlotte SCORE Chapter #47 at 704.344.6576. To schedule a counseling appointment, please contact Jim Carpenter at the Union County Chamber of Commerce at 704.289.4567.

SCORE consulting also is available through the Internet at www.score.org. Enter the specific expertise required and retrieve a list of e-mail counselors who represent the best match by industry and topic.

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Getting started

"Getting Started" is a three-hour program aimed at assisting individuals to start a business the right way and to assist those already in business to better understand the needs for proper planning, marketing, research, etc.

It is recommend that people new to business ownership attend the workshop prior to a counseling session. These workshops are conducted at the Small Business Administration's Conference Room at 6302 Fairview Road, Suite 300, One Fairview Center, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Workshop benefits

At the workshop you learn what affects bottom-line profits!

  • How to determine market potential.
  • What it takes to run a business.
  • Steps to help get your business started.
  • How much money you will need.
  • Where to find financing.
  • What lenders want to know.
  • Types of business organizations.
  • How to develop a business plan.

A $20 fee for the workshop includes a valuable reference manual for your personal use. Call SCORE at 704.344.6576 for further information.