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

Archive for July, 2008

New officers elected by SCORE

Add comment July 31st, 2008

Tom Mann has been elected chair of the Northern Illinois Chapter of SCORE.  He will take office Oct. 1, at the beginning for the next fiscal year.

Also elected were Vern Wanner and Marion Wilke, vice chairs; Ann Radcliffe, secretary, and Bob Christianson, treasurer.

SCORE meets the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Eigerlab, 605 Fulton Ave., where the chapter maintains a desk to make appointments for free, confidential counseling.  For more information, call 815 962-0122.

SCORE announces workshop schedule

Add comment July 31st, 2008

By Jim Dehler
(Note: This information replaces all previous information about workshops on the Ask SCORE blog.)

SCORE presents a series of workshops during the year to help small businesses with a variety of information. Some of these workshops are offered at no cost and others have a small cost to help cover expenses. Workbooks and appropriate handouts are provided. You can enroll on our website, www.NorthernIllinoisScore.org or e-mail us at info@NorthernIllinoisScore.org or call us at 815-962-0122. Payment can be by check, cash or PayPal. Counselors are usually on duty weekdays after 9 a.m. Free counseling sessions are available by appointment.

Following is a brief listing and description of our most popular workshops.

Starting a Small Business – an overview of starting a business with emphasis on fundamentals. Topics include: steps for starting a small business, start-up costs, defining your business, business management and marketing. Cost is $40 in advance, $50 at the door.

Writing a Business Plan – an overview of business plan writing and its critical elements. Topics include: your company and competitive analysis, strategic planning, financial analysis, secure financing, and business plan format. Cost is $40 in advance, $50 at the door.

Funding Your Business – How to finance your business. Topics include: financial life cycle, sources of capital, approaching a lender, and what the lender expects. A local banker will be present to discuss financing options. This is a FREE Workshop.

Managing Your Business for Profit and Growth – a comprehensive 3.5 hour course to help your business prosper. Topics include: management, financial planning, credit control, staffing, mentoring, delegation, marketing, promotions, pricing, profit and distribution. Attendance limited to 15. Cost is $55 in advance, $70 at the door.

The workshops are presented at Rock Valley College’s Woodward Technology Center. The current schedule is:

Starting a Small Business – Thursday, Sept. 11, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Writing a Business Plan – Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Funding Your Business – Thursday, Oct. 16, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Managing Your Business for Profit and Growth – Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

SCORE helps another client

Add comment July 10th, 2008

 

 

By Bob Christianson

 

My client was the recipient of several properties and was overwhelmed as to her financial position. It was a new venture for her.…

SCORE reviewed each property as to its income and expense and recommended the action to consider for each property.

SCORE has provided several counseling sessions regarding the clients circumstances and the client has taken the appropriate action.

The client is now happy with the returns and has a good handle on how to monitor future returns and when to make appropriate changes.

My client wishes to remain anonymous. If you would like verification of the client, we can and will provide it with a signed confidentiality agreement.

If you would like SCORE to help you with your investment properties, call 815-962-0122 for an appointment.