Chapter FAQs

What is SCORE?
Who gives this advice?
How much does it cost?
How many free business counseling sessions am I entitled to?
What qualifies SCORE volunteers to give business advice?
Are business secrets safe with SCORE?
How can I sign up for counseling services?
Does Sacramento SCORE offer on-line counseling?
Where are the Sacramento offices located?
How can I find out about joining SCORE?
I am interested in finding out more about your seminars and workshops. Where can I find more information?
Can I sign up for seminars and workshops on-line?
Does the SBA provide business loans?
Do I need a business plan to obtain financing?
Should every business have a business plan?
Who are the professionals that I should have associated with my business?
How important is research in a start-up business?

What is SCORE?
SCORE is a mentoring organization. We provide free counseling, resources and advice to people who are in business or want to start a business.
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Who gives this advice?
The volunteers of Sacramento SCORE. Volunteer counselors are experienced owners or managers of businesses that volunteer their time to help small businesses succeed.
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How much does it cost?
There is no cost for individual counseling. Some workshops or seminars have a small fee.
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How many free business counseling sessions am I entitled to?
You can come back for as many sessions as you wish. Each session will last for approximately one hour. SCORE counselors are interested in your success and will follow up to see how you are progressing.
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What qualifies SCORE volunteers to give business advice?
The key qualification SCORE counselors bring the table is real-world experience. SCORE volunteers have specific industry and general business expertise. Counselors may be retired business owners, business executives or operations managers. Many volunteers work full-time.
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Are business secrets safe with SCORE?
Yes. All SCORE counselors honor the client's right to proprietary and confidential information. That information remains confidential as provided by SCORE's Code of Ethics. Counselors reaffirm their commitment for the association’s Code of Ethics each year.
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How can I sign up for counseling services?
Please click here to visit our counseling section. It contains instructions and a link to an online form.
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Does Sacramento SCORE offer on-line counseling?
At the present time, our local office does not provide on-line counseling. However, you can obtain on-line counseling through the national SCORE office by clicking here.
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Where are the Sacramento offices located?
Click here for a list of our Sacramento offices, including addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers.
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How can I find out about joining SCORE?
Click here for detailed information about joining Sacramento SCORE, or call any of our offices for more information via telephone.
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I am interested in finding out more about your seminars and workshops. Where can I find more information?
Click here for more details about the seminars and workshops we offer, or call any of our local offices.
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Can I sign up for seminars and workshops on-line?
Please visit our Workshops and Seminars sections for details.
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Does the SBA provide business loans?
The SBA has a number of loan guarantee programs to assist business start-ups and existing businesses. The loans are obtained through preferred and other lenders approved by the SBA. It is recommended you visit the SBA website for more information on specific loan programs, at www.sba.gov.
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Do I need a business plan to obtain financing?
To obtain financing for a start up business, all lenders will require a complete business plan which describes in some detail your business idea, potential, experience, management, marketing plans and financial outlook. Existing business's may be permitted to complete the application and rely on the financial history of their business. You should always talk with several banks about their specific requirements
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Should every business have a business plan?
Whether you are trying to obtain financing or not, a business plan is essential for the effective operation of your business. It is a road map about your business and where you want to take it, and forms a basis for measurement to see how well you have done. SCORE counselors can be of great assistance in providing direction and training in the development of the plan.
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Who are the professionals that I should have associated with my business?
While your business may require different individuals depending on need, most all successful businesses have a Certified Public Accountant, Business Attorney, Insurance Professional, and Banker as resources. Sometimes small businesses who have personnel may seek the assistance of an outside Human Resource person, and firms requiring assistance with computer-related issues may benefit from an Information Technology professional. With any of these it pays to try and find someone who knows something about your type of business.
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How important is research in a start-up business?
Research, whether it for a business start-up or an existing business, is the most important activity you will undertake. When done properly, it will provide insight into the validity of your business idea, competition, market and financial potential. Refer to the resource section of our web-site as a starter
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