Are You Ready To Fly Solo As An Entrepreneur?

Have you decided to open your own business? If this is your dream, start planning to make it a reality. Research, planning, hard work and innovation can build your business success. As you get started, seek out advice. You are the one making the decisions, now be sure those are informed decisions.

There are many details that comprise business operations. Ask yourself, how should the business be organized? Answer—sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. Do you know about the licenses, permits, inspections and taxes you face? The answer had better be yes. As an entrepreneur, managing the details is your business.

There is help available. The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is one source of expert advice. SCORE is a nonprofit association, which seeks to aid the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. Throughout the country 12,400 volunteer, business counselors donate their business skills to you. Their collective expertise as business owners, executives and managers can bring you answers to important business questions. SCORE offers small business counseling and mentoring as a confidential, no fee service.

SCORE’s business counselors have worked for successful small businesses, as well as such noted companies as IBM, Xerox, Exxon, Citicorp/Citibank and Procter and Gamble, to mention a few. You can be mentored by bankers, accountants, marketing experts, computer programmers, line managers, human resources professionals or CEOs. SCORE brings expertise from numerous fields from the general issues every business must face, to specialized areas such as defense contracting, direct mail marketing and toy making.

To learn more about SCORE, small business counseling and obtain general small business resource information visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) web site at http://www.sba.gov. This Internet resource provides information on starting your business, financing your business and expanding your business. SCORE is listed as a resource partner with the SBA and has its own home page on this site. In addition, you can visit SCORE at http://www.smallbuisness.apple.com for "how to" information, success stories and Email access to more than 80 Email counselors.

If you prefer person-to-person contact call SCORE at 1 (800) 634-0245 and request a referral to the SCORE chapter nearest you. SCORE has 389 chapters throughout the United States. Counselors are on duty throughout the week to schedule appointments and meet with aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as current business owners to discuss business issues. When you call the toll free line, you can also request a copy of a free SCORE brochure with 10 tips on preparing a business plan. Ask for the brochure "No One Knows More About Small Business Ownership."

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