What is the hardest part of starting a business? Finding needed legal and resource information, and knowing the right questions to ask are often some of the cited concerns of new business owners.
SCORE, “Counselors to America's Small Businesses,” has been around for 40 years, yet many people needing help do not know there is a great deal of free business information to be had on the SCORE Web site alone; at SCORE workshops; and at Chambers of Commerce throughout San Diego County and the U.S.A. Of course SCORE counselors recommend entrepreneurs do as much free research as possible before giving up their day job or spending money on the business until they have a good understanding what they are getting into.
The Carlsbad Chamber has been sponsoring SCORE counselors over 20 years, and works jointly with them to assist new and struggling business owners find the information they need to be successful. In a recent Chamber meeting — new business owners were asked questions about their needs and several cited the following: help with marketing; knowing what city, county and state laws affected their operations; finding good locations and leases; how to network and develop business commercials that get people interested; where to get help developing a Web site, etc.
SCORE offers free business counseling weekly at the Carlsbad Chamber, and works closely with Andrea Korogi, the Chamber's new Director of Small Business Development, to determine what kind of help is needed by each person. Counselors often refer clients to Chamber members for services they need to fill those needs. In addition, they may suggest specific workshops on subjects that SCORE offers on an on-going basis, and field counseling where a business exists to determine specific directions and resources for them based on personal visits. SCORE clients may see as many counselors as needed to assist with their needs, at no cost.
Low cost SCORE workshops include: How to Start and Manage a Business; How to Develop Your Competitive Advantage; Financing Your Business; How to Write a Winning Business Plan; Marketing, Advertising & Branding; QuickBooks; and Selling and Internet Marketing. Attending these before opening a business is highly recommended, and they may be refunded by the business for up to two years, including the mileage, after the business has an income.
SCORE also offers monthly Women's Breakfast Roundtables, plus an Annual Women's Business Conference. The easiest way to get some information is at free business stuff on the Web site: www.score-sandiego.org. The Web site also provides workshop information, dates, registration and directions, as well as locations for free business counseling at various county chambers. Telephone information is available weekdays at (619) 557-7272. Tell your friends to call their local Chamber office for a nearby appointment — today.
Hasler is a SCORE business counselor and head of Carlsbad-based Willeen H. Hasler & Associates, Meeting Management Services & Training.
SCORE, “Counselors to America's Small Businesses,” has been around for 40 years, yet many people needing help do not know there is a great deal of free business information to be had on the SCORE Web site alone; at SCORE workshops; and at Chambers of Commerce throughout San Diego County and the U.S.A. Of course SCORE counselors recommend entrepreneurs do as much free research as possible before giving up their day job or spending money on the business until they have a good understanding what they are getting into.
The Carlsbad Chamber has been sponsoring SCORE counselors over 20 years, and works jointly with them to assist new and struggling business owners find the information they need to be successful. In a recent Chamber meeting — new business owners were asked questions about their needs and several cited the following: help with marketing; knowing what city, county and state laws affected their operations; finding good locations and leases; how to network and develop business commercials that get people interested; where to get help developing a Web site, etc.
SCORE offers free business counseling weekly at the Carlsbad Chamber, and works closely with Andrea Korogi, the Chamber's new Director of Small Business Development, to determine what kind of help is needed by each person. Counselors often refer clients to Chamber members for services they need to fill those needs. In addition, they may suggest specific workshops on subjects that SCORE offers on an on-going basis, and field counseling where a business exists to determine specific directions and resources for them based on personal visits. SCORE clients may see as many counselors as needed to assist with their needs, at no cost.
Low cost SCORE workshops include: How to Start and Manage a Business; How to Develop Your Competitive Advantage; Financing Your Business; How to Write a Winning Business Plan; Marketing, Advertising & Branding; QuickBooks; and Selling and Internet Marketing. Attending these before opening a business is highly recommended, and they may be refunded by the business for up to two years, including the mileage, after the business has an income.
SCORE also offers monthly Women's Breakfast Roundtables, plus an Annual Women's Business Conference. The easiest way to get some information is at free business stuff on the Web site: www.score-sandiego.org. The Web site also provides workshop information, dates, registration and directions, as well as locations for free business counseling at various county chambers. Telephone information is available weekdays at (619) 557-7272. Tell your friends to call their local Chamber office for a nearby appointment — today.
Hasler is a SCORE business counselor and head of Carlsbad-based Willeen H. Hasler & Associates, Meeting Management Services & Training.