[MpyreDzirez]

If you are in the continental US...then you most likely have a SCORE chapter near you. SCORE is an organization of retired CEO's and their only job is to help guys like us turn our small businesses into cash cows.

The best part is that SCORE is free! You just have to attend a 3 hours business basics seminar which is $25...so they don't have to personally go over business 101 with every one. Then you get your 1-on-1 sessions with business CEO's relative to your industry.

They helped me write my business plan one section at a time. Go to their website and find a chapter near you www.score.org



Justin

[vek5]

Yah Score is amazing. I actully did not have to do the $25 seminar, and went straight to business counseling. The people they have are really knowledgable, lol but some are like reallllll old, but they definately give you an educated/experience view on your business. My advisors gave made me realize alot of things I had neither thought about when planning my business.

[Franakapan]

I've just made initial contact with an equivalent UK oganisation, called Business Link, about a couple of my business ideas. A Biz Link advisor gave a great talk at my school last year so I am looking forward to hearing from them.

[Bestmiler]

I never thought it was this helpful. Ill have to check it out when I have the time, thanks.

[greggomatic76]

That is awesome, I will definately have to check that out! Thanks for the heads up.

[adrizzle]

I have heard of the S.C.O.R.E organization before, but I think I should actually sign up now and get some real help. Does anyone know if they help you with financing? Do they tell you if they think you got a good idea or not?

[subramanian100@gmail]

Is there any organization like SCORE for entrepreneurs in Asia? If anyone knows the organization please give me contact information.

I browsed SCORE and read its templates. They are really very helpful. I wish there is a chapter of SCORE in India.

[pbradish]

Originally Posted by adrizzle

I have heard of the S.C.O.R.E organization before, but I think I should actually sign up now and get some real help. Does anyone know if they help you with financing? Do they tell you if they think you got a good idea or not?

I haven't looked them up in awhile but I believe that SCORE is meant for advice and such, not so much actual financing... though they might be able to lead you in the right direction.

[vek5]

I'm not sure about about other Score chapters, but as for the chapter here in Washington DC, they have a wide range of help. They have accounting and finance help. They are usually retired accountants or ex-ceo's of finance related companies. As for if they tell you whether or not you have a good idea. When I went in for my first interview my counselor told me "We are hear to help you, but our job is also to tell people whether or not they should pursue their business." He emphasized planning, Although it is the entreprenuerial spirit to go against the norm and do it your own way, you always need to plan out a business.

[semguru]

Depending on what state you are in, the requirements are different. Here is Missouri, we did not have to attend the Business 101 class if you state you already have basic business knowledge.

Another thing to check out is called a 'business incubator'. You will have to do a local search for this, but many states have 'state financed' office locations that offer extreme discounts on office space to new businesses. Usually a 1 year lease.

[nordicnomad]

Originally Posted by adrizzle

I have heard of the S.C.O.R.E organization before, but I think I should actually sign up now and get some real help. Does anyone know if they help you with financing? Do they tell you if they think you got a good idea or not?

Score can't finance you, but they are part of the SBA which can.

They'll probably be able to help you find sources of financing just through their experience with the process and institutions in your area.

Basically, it never hurt to ask.