Ask SCORE
Ask SCORE will help start-up and existing businesses answer questions they may have about growing their operations.

Archive for April, 2008

If I only had more…

2 comments April 18th, 2008

Running a business takes a lot of “more” things, including:

· More time. There never are enough hours in the day to see to all the necessities, from sending invoices to drumming up more customers to keeping up with current trends.
· More money. If you need to expand physical space or increase staff, an initial influx of cash would help until the start-up expenses are met by increased productivity and income.
· More energy. Working extra long hours, worrying about cash flow or finding just the right way of dealing with your payroll taxes can sap your strength – especially when it seems like the problems never end.
· More help. Take the time to talk with your lawyer, accountant and insurance agent when questions come up. Correct advice will prevent a disaster in the future.

What are some of the problems you are facing? SCORE counselors are ready and willing to help you with some fresh insights and different perspectives.

It’s easy to find SCORE:
· By phone, call (815) 962-0122 in Rockford or (815) 544-7110 in Belvidere.
· By internet, log on to www.northernillinoisscore.org
· By email, write to info@northernillinoisscore.org

Solutions are just a click away!

Free financing workshop Thursday

Add comment April 15th, 2008

One of the biggest challenges for any new or existing business is the question of money – where to get it, how to pay it back, how risky is it to borrow..

For a start-up business there is seed money to be used for inventory, perhaps, for machinery or for office equipment. And don’t forget tax help, legal retainers and insurance to protect your fledgling venture.

For an established business, there are needs to provide space for expansion, hire on extra salespeople or acquire that new machine which will augment your product line. There are many ways an existing business can be expanded – and most of the time it takes money.

There is a free workshop being offered Thursday, April 17, which can help you resolve some of these issues. Sponsored by SCORE, counselors to America’s small businesses, and US Bank, the workshop will be conducted from 3 to 5:50 p.m. at the Woodward Tech Center on the Rock Valley College Campus on N. Mulford Road.

Topics for How to Finance Your Business include financial life cycles, sources of capital, approaching a lender and what that lender expects from you.

Because seating is limited, it is necessary to register in advance either by calling the SCORE office at (815) 962-0122 or by logging in to the SCORE web site at www.northernillinoisscore.org, clicking on Workshops and then clicking on the online registration button to the right. You’ll be guided through the registration process. Try it – it’s easy!