How to Benefit from SCORE's Small Business Counseling Sessions

SCORE counselors do not require any formal preparation for a counseling session.  There is no paperwork to bring, and no documents to submit.  However, if you have thought through the end result that you wish to obtain from the counseling session, you will then receive greater benefit from your investment in the counseling time.

Below are a few questions that may start you thinking more about what you wish to "take away" from the sessions.  They may or may not apply to you.  Of course, always supplement or replace these questions with ones you have considered for your unique situation!

• What kind of guidance are you looking for from SCORE?
• What is your business idea, and can you describe it in 50 words or less?
• What might be a "mission statement" or "statement of purpose" for your new venture?
• What products or services do you intend to provide?
• Have you done market research on your business idea?
• Have you defined your target market or markets (a target market is a group of customers)?
• Who are your competitors?
• How are you different from your competitors?
• What role is the Internet having on businesses similar to the one you wish to begin or expand?
• Are the products and services you are planning to offer being promoted and sold on the Internet?
• What would make your business unique?
• What experience do you personally have in the business field you intend to go into?
• How does your overall education and work experience qualify you to run the new business you wish to start?
• Will your family support you in this venture?
• Have you considered what your start up costs will be?
• Where do you feel you can get money for the start up?

Prior to your session, your small business counselor will ask for some basic information from you; things like name, address, phone, type of business, etc. If your wish pre-register with those details in advance, the you must complete the new client form here.  The counselor will then devote almost a full hour (if needed) to your questions.  Although nothing is required, feel free to bring as many supporting documents as you wish.  The more you can communicate your idea and venture, the better the counselor will be able to assist you.

All SCORE counseling sessions are strictly confidential.  SCORE counselors subscribe to the Volunteer Counselor's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

To review our chapters counselor profiles, visit the Meet Our Counselors page.  To learn more about the SCORE counseling process, visit our Small Business Counseling page.

To schedule a counseling session, use the Contact Us page on this site or call the office at 815-962-0122.