Know Your SCORE

With the business climate trying to right itself from the uncertainty of the last few years, it's not unusual that small business owners may find themselves in new situations. Many business owners open a business because of their expertise-contractor, massage therapist, hairstylist, retail shop owner, chef, even doctor. Unfortunately, being an expert in a given field in no way prepares business owners to actually manage the day-to-day duties of running a business. That's where SCORE can help.for free!

SCORE is an independent national nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of small business nationwide. The association provides confidential, one-on-one counseling to help people start and operate successful small businesses. Formed in 1964 as the Service Corp of Retired Executives, SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE volunteers have diverse business backgrounds that range from management of multinational corporations to owner-operated small businesses. Many SCORE counselors are still active in their own businesses. Nationally, 13,000 SCORE volunteers provide counseling at 389 chapter offices and more than 800 branch locations around the country. The Carolina Lowcountry SCORE, Chapter 650, operates an office within the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce.
The 40 Lowcountry members serve four S.C. counties-Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton. Volunteer Counselors provide free counseling for people who want to start a business or people with an existing business. We are counselors, not consultants. As a general practice, the Carolina Lowcountry Chapter assigns two counselors to a client to provide a broader range of business knowledge, business experiences and counseling skills.
Are you thinking this sounds great, but wondering if it applies to your business? SCORE mentors both profit and nonprofit businesses, operating a Business Assistance Center, where there are numerous helpful resources business owners can utilize, including free resources for planning and managing a small business; a business library of operation guides for the types of businesses located here. In addition, business owners will find a valuable collection of business plan templates; computer business models and planning guides; and online business training tutorials. It truly is South Carolina's one-stop-shop for a new business.
SCORE national headquarters website is www.score.org, a site that provides free business advice, how-to resources, tools, templates, and workshops. Plus, online visitors can gain access to www.e-BusinessNow.org, an additional resource that provides information, workshops, and how-to use technology to grow your small business. Lowcountry SCORE also offers local workshops on various business topics.
For many, the American dream means going into business for yourself and being your own boss. To achieve success in business it is important to get off to a good start. Here are a few tips:
? Learn as much about your proposed business as you can. 
? Know the business will require more money than you think.
? The business will require more time than you think.
? Keep accurate records and receipts.
? Allow for all expenses-including benefits and taxes-before figuring your potential profit.
? Know your competitors.
? Remember the realtor's motto: Location, location, location!
? Your motto should be: Plan, plan, and plan!
? In South Carolina you need a business license before you open, otherwise there will be a citation and a hefty financial penalty.

Most people think starting a business from scratch is the way to become an entrepreneur.  There are various other ways of starting a business:
? Buy an existing business.
? Buy a franchise.
? Start a home-based business.
? Begin a non-profit organization.
? Create an online business.
No matter what business you choose to start, you will be responsible for getting the work done. You may outsource some of the specialties, but you are still responsible.  You need five professionals to help you run your business.  They are an accountant, attorney, banker, insurance agent, and SCORE.  We are the only one that does not charge for our service.

To get help in starting your business, contact Lowcountry SCORE, Chapter 650. Our counselors provide free confidential counseling. In Beaufort County call 785-7107. In Jasper County call 726-8126. Contact by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To get a schedule of upcoming business workshops log onto scorehiltonhead.com.