November 1, 2008  

A BUSINESS NEWSLETTER from SBA's resource partner.Also at e-news.

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WATCH A VIDEO

SMALL BUSINESS TV - STAY TUNED.

A new TV network, and a "SCORE®" educational partner, is a place where you can stay informed at your desk, learn in the convenience of your home and grow. Small business news, training and tips. Check it out.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO LEFT to "beam" yourself there.

SPECIAL LESSON

FORM OF BUSINESS - WHICH ONE?

What form should my business take? This is often the first question aspiring entrepreneurs ask themselves. Should I form a corporation? Does a sole proprietorship make sense? Do I need to name my business? How do I register my business's name and what does that mean?

While these should not be the first things that you think about when kicking off a business—business planning should be—it is worthwhile considering some of pros and cons of the various business forms.

In this article, we will discuss business entity basics, refer to what experts have to say about each form and present you with access to two excellent presentations on the subject. CLICK the card above to read on...

ASK SCORE®

"GREEN BUSINESS" - THE COMING THING

Being environmentally conscious is not just good for the earth; it’s good for your business as well. Studies show that consumers are increasingly attracted to businesses that promote their proactive efforts to protect the environment.

Many high-profile companies are limiting the product and service contracts to vendors with good “green” track records. Plus, many practices and products that help reduce pollution and conserve natural resources can also help reduce business costs over the long term. Don’t let your small business be left behind.

Learn about how you can "go green" ... CLICK ON THE "FULL ARTICLE" LINK BELOW TO READ ON...

A "PRICELESS" BUSINESS WEBSITE

Perhaps time to visit.

This is our fourteenth monthly newsletter. Wow!

I was surprised when I looked over the titles of my monthly columns and realized that I have never mentioned our websites. The “home page” of our national website (www.score.org) changes periodically. If you go there right now, you will find many subjects about Cash and the Economy. Relevant topics in today’s world.

You can click on “How to Pay Business Debts You Can’t Afford” and you get valuable information about how and when to negotiate with your creditors for lowering your debt. This can reduce your financial stress in these times. And there is more. This site has been raved about by the most experienced business experts since it covers all business topics well. Few do. Worth exploring. READ MORE by clicking on the "FULL ARTICLE" link below, right.

Jean Kruse
SCORE® Chairperson and CPA (retired)

NEWS

POPULAR CLASS HELD AGAIN:
"HOW TO REALLY START YOUR OWN BUSINESS"

• Are you starting a new business?? Know someone who is?
• Want to turn your dream in to a profitable small company??
• Are you running a small business and want help??????

ON NOV 4, ANSWERS.

The Cedar Rapids Chapter of SCORE, in cooperation with Kirkwood Community College, will again be offering a seminar on "How to Really Start Your Own Business." The seminars are 3 consecutive Tuesdays, 3 hours in length and cover such topics as Planning, Marketing, Structuring, Hardware and Software considerations, Business Permits, Financing and Insurance. It all starts on 4 November.

What does this course include?

The course is designed to provide insight into considerations one must think about as they prepare to design and structure their own business. It is not designed to be all inclusive. If you, or someone you know, is considering establishing their own business it would be worth their time to enroll in this class.

Sessions are held Tuesday evenings. 3 Nights, 3 Hours each.

The next sessions will be held at the Kirkwood Training & Outreach Service Center, 3375 Armar Drive, Marion, Iowa beginning November 4, 2008. The cost is $59.00 per person. Individuals may register through Kirkwood Community College by phone (319-398-1022) or on line at www.foryourlifetime.com

Additional information can be obtained by calling Gayle Kennedy at KCC, 319-377-8256 or the Cedar Rapids Chapter of SCORE, 319-362-6405 Ext. 2005. CLASS SIGN-UP

LEARN WHO WE ARE

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NEED OFFICE SOFTWARE - FREE ?

Small businesses often start with minimal resources. Many cannot afford the commercial and proprietary office software suites distributed by the major software companies. There is good news:

or OPEN OFFICE. ORG

One of the world's most powerful and current Office suites is free. More importantly it is "open" (meaning no restrictive licenses) and can be downloaded by anyone. It includes a powerful word processor, spreadsheet, presentation program, "pdf" export and data base. It is also compatible with the leading commercial equivalent. If you need an Office suite and cannot afford hundreds of dollars for one, check it out.

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