What You Should Know About SCORE Counseling (F.A.Q.)

You should know that your SCORE Counselor will hold in strict confidence all information or discussions between you and your Counselor in ALL counseling sessions, including face-to-face, telephone, and email sessions. Your SCORE Counselor volunteers their time to share his or her experience and knowledge with small business entrepreneurs who can benefit from such advice.

A SCORE Counselor CAN listen to your plans and through a questioning process help you to clarify your goals.

A SCORE Counselor CAN steer you toward sources to accumulate information and data which will help you to determine the soundness of your plans.

A SCORE Counselor CAN offer you written material to aid in setting up a plan which will be the basis of your efforts to realize your goals.

A SCORE Counselor CAN be supportive and offer encouragement.

A SCORE Counselor CANNOT tell you what kind of business you should try to establish.

A SCORE Counselor CANNOT give you money.

A SCORE Counselor CANNOT make decisions for you.

A SCORE Counselor CANNOT do your homework for you.

Before you see a SCORE Counselor, you should know what kind of business you want to explore. You should have a realistic plan which includes the costs to establish and run your business as well as the projected income.

You should have an idea of what the costs will be to open the door. This will include how much of your money you need to invest and how much you may need to borrow. You should also know how much money you will need to live on before your business becomes profitable. You should have an estimate of the market for your product or services.

Your SCORE Counselor can direct you to resources that will assist you in developing a business plan that will put the pieces together before you open the door. Through your Counselor, you have access to the experience and expertise of all members of the Chapter.

Your Counselor will remain available to you for as long as you need support.