Valuable Business Resources and Organizations

There are massive amounts of resources, tools and information available to current or future entrepreneurs. With the use of the internet, it is possible to do almost everything necessary to prepare and run a successful business. Some very important resources include business associations and organizations. They provide many tools to help run a business. Some of the most popular organizations include SCORE, the Small Business Development Center, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Score (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a non-profit worldwide organization of over 12,000 experienced business advisors. It has been affiliated with the U.S. Small Business Administration for forty years. Their main focus is to help guide individuals in the process of starting and running their own businesses. Additionally SCORE offers free business counseling by men and women who have had successful careers as executives or business owners.

Another important organization is the Small Business Development Center. Their organization is focused on providing various types of assistance to the entrepreneur. They also work cohesively with the U.S. Small Business Administration. They offer many resources including a free Start Smart class that discusses the basics of starting a business.

An additional association is the local Chamber of Commerce. Members of the Chamber receive such benefits such as networking, discount, listings in the business directory, free web exposure, access to participate in committee--such as Women in Business, and representation at the state legislature. There is a minimal fee for membership.

Out of all the organizations listed, SCORE is one of the most valuable resources to any entrepreneur. The best thing about SCORE is that it is completely free and confidential.They offer face-to-face counseling, online counseling, online workshops and more. Here are some of the ways they can assist entrepreneurs.

- Develop and revise any type of business plan

-Review alternative ways to secure business financing.

- Act as a "sounding board" for ideas and problems.

- Provide guidance on where to obtain assistance.

- Suggest ideas for marketing, promotions and sales.

- Resolve business and staffing issues.

Some of their online workshops include topics such as developing a business plan, analyzing the competition, building a website, creating a profit and loss statement, and creating customer loyalty. There are also a lot of workshops available in Spanish.

Another great online tool for SCORE is their "How to" page which is found at: http://www.score.org/learning_center.html. This page helps the individual in making smart decisions for success throughout every stage of their business. Also on this page is a "Reading Room" which includes over one-hundred business articles that can also assist with various aspects of business. This organization is a great asset to all entrepreneurs.

In conclusion, SCORE, the Small Business Development Center, and the Chamber of Commerce are all valuable organizations that contain many resources for entrepreneurs. They provide assistance in running or continuing the success of a business. Many of the tools provided by the organizations are available online so they are easily accessible. With the help of these and other organizations, it truly is possible for anyone to become a successful entrepreneur.

Sources:

1. About Score. Score.Org. Retrieved November 11, 2009 from: http://www.score.org/explore_score.html

2. Member Benefits. Ogden Weber Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved November 11, 2009 from : http://www.echamber.cc/benefits.html

3. Utah Small Business Development Center Retrieved November 11, 2009 from: http://www.utahsbdc.org/Default.aspx

4. Utah Small Business Assistance. Business.gov. Retrieved November 11, 2009 from: http://www.business.gov/states/utah/assistance.html