January 1, 2008

As a current or soon to be business owner, this letter is for you. It is brought to you by SCORE, the SBA's resource partner. We are business veterans ready to help you at no cost. Welcome and feel free to call or email us if you need us.

You may view this newsletter on the web: e-News on Web

SADDLE & LEATHER SHOP

WORK IN PROCESS. RICHARD GERE DID WHAT?

 
“Don’t wait. You can’t call soon enough!” declares Nancy Barta, the equestrian co-owner of Czech Village’s Saddle and Leather Shop.

When the owner of this 100 year old Cedar Rapids and Czech Village institution sensed she needed help, she called SCORE.  She readily admits she did this with some apprehension.  Read this personal account of the rationale in finally making the call, first impressions, how the process started and personal experiences thus far (in this first of a continuing series.)  Also learn about her Richard Gere experience!

ASK SCORE

MAKE YOUR WEB SITE A SELLING SITE !

Most small businesses have a Web site of some kind to help their marketing and sales efforts. But wanting a Web site that works hard for the business and actually getting one that does so are two different things.

There are dozens of ways a Web site can go wrong. Learn what is most important to customers and how to be more "web-effective" in this brief but spot-on lesson ...

An informative set of tips ...

TIPPING THE BALANCE IN 2008

WHY WE HELP YOU MEET YOUR GOALS...

Our SCORE volunteers help you accomplish your goals. How and why? Because our volunteers have been successful in their own businesses and want you to be successful as well.  Our business knowledge and wisdom can be yours.  We can tip the balance for you in 2008.

We in SCORE have set some goals for 2008.  We want to build relationships with you and visa versa. Read about how we can help each other in this brief summary of our objectives in the next year.

A very Happy New Year to you all!

Jean Kruse,
SCORE Chairperson

LOCAL NEWS

MARION CHAMBER, SCORE COLLABORATING

People with a new business dream and small businesses in Marion will be getting a boost because of a new project the Marion Chamber of Commerce has started with SCORE. Jill Hannah, president of the chamber has arranged cooperation with SCORE in Cedar Rapids (Counselors to America’s small businesses). 

Chamber members will become familiar with the services SCORE can provide to start up businesses and grow firms in Marion. SCORE’s counseling services to Marion businesses are free. Ms. Hannah is also working to have the SCORE Chairperson brief the Chamber leadership in the near future. The result of that may be an even more fruitful relationship. Stay tuned.

Brought to you by the Cedar Rapids chapter of SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business," a nonprofit association and resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is dedicated to entrepreneurship and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 7.5 million entrepreneurs.

Copyright 2007. SCORE Chapter 227. All rights reserved.

SCORE® Ch. 227 c/o SBA, 2750 First Avenue NE, Ste. 350,
 Cedar Rapids IA 52402-4831
(319) 362-6405 Ext. 2005

Office hours:  10-12 and 1-3  -- NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED