Initial Counseling: The core of SCORE’s activities is counseling.
Usually two counselors meet with the client for the first time where they spend most of the interview
listening, putting the client at ease and learning of their aspirations.
Where appropriate, other counselors (having specific experience relevant to
the clients needs) are brought in on any subsequent meetings Counselors will be frank with clients when giving advice.
With their business experience they know what’s possible. As an outcome of
the initial meeting the following help will be provided as appropriate.
Additional Counseling: The chapter commits
its resources to working with the client with continuing one on one
counseling either at the SCORE office or, if appropriate, at the clients
place of business. This as long as the client and counselors feel they are
productive.
Team Counseling: If a multifaceted
case presents itself the client will be offered team
counseling, either at our office or at the clients place of business.
Here we use a number of counselors to do a more in depth study. Several
meetings will probably be needed to maximize the benefit of this approach.
In-House Computer: Software is available,
together with hands on help, to assist the client in developing business
plans, cash flow projections, profit and loss statements, etc. This information,
whether developed here or elsewhere, on a computer or by hand, forms the
basis for the counseling discussions. Also available is a spreadsheet
developed in conjunction with the SBA that the client can use to determine
if his financial status makes him a candidate for a bank loan.
Business Literature: The Office has an
extensive library of literature that focuses on the needs of the small
business enterprise. It is provided to us by the Federal government (through
the SBA and SCORE headquarters), Florida State government, and local
governments. Most of this is made available to the client at no cost.
Workshops: Pre-business workshops are held
each month in three locations, the Holly Hill office (386.255.6889), the
Chamber of Commerce in Orange City (386.775.2793) and the Chamber of
Commerce in New Smyrna Beach (386.428.2449). For further details of
these and other workshops see Workshops.
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"SCORE on the Road": Here
teams of counselors are taking to the road to bring help to busy small
enterprises at their place of business. Industrial parks in the various
townships and the county are targeted where businesses are introduced to
SCORE and help is offered.
