About SCORE
Portland, Maine Chapter Mission Statement
Portland SCORE volunteers deliver expertise and resources to maximize the success of existing and emerging small businesses.
Our parent organization, the national SCORE Association founded in 1964, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE has 389 chapters throughout the United States and its territories, with over 11,000 volunteers nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SCORE Portland (chapter 53) was founded in 1965 by a group of local businessmen who recognized the need to foster entrepreneurship and small business development in Maine. We have counseled and provided business training for thousands of Maine individuals who had a business idea, wanted to start a business, or had a business problem to solve. Our 50 volunteers are committed to your success
Portland SCORE counselors come from every walk of business life. Most have owned successful small businesses: others come from high-level management positions: directors and VPs of Fortune 500 companies, owners and presidents of retail businesses, manufacturing companies, distributors and franchisors. All are here for you.
Our goal is to help you avoid common mistakes, provide direction and help you become as successful as you want to be. All of the volunteers and resources of our chapter are available to every client and they are available for as long as you want or need them.
We want to give back to you and the community and promote its growth.
We can help. Come in for no-charge counseling. Or, attend one of our information- packed practical business workshops - designed to give you just what you need to get off to a good start or bring your existing business to a new level.
Roy Nelles,
Makin a Difference
“SCORE ‘s involvement has been ‘making a difference’ in my new business ever since its launch.”
Business Concepts (QS):
This workshop is your start in developing a feasibility plan for your business. You will examine how your business idea meets a need or solves a problem. You will clearly identify the features or benefits of your product or service. You will examine whether your personal skills and background are a good fit with your business idea. You will learn how to find critical information about your industry, customers and competition. You will be assigned a SCORE mentor to help and coach you through the process.
Thursday Sep 09, 2010
6 - 8 PM
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Marketing(QS):
In this workshop you will start to develop a marketing plan. You will
identify your target markets, discuss pricing strategies, focus on
creating a consistent marketing message, and discuss different
marketing communication methods. In addition, you will work on
identifying and developing an appropriate business plan.
Thursday Sep 16, 2010
6 - 8 PM
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Financial Projections (QS):
This workshop is designed to teach you to develop financial projections to see if your business concept is feasible in dollars. You will learn the importance of having a financial plan.You will look at start-up costs, operating expenses, breakeven analysis, the financial risks and rewards, and what funds will be needed to finance your business. You will see how financial statements are used to help manage your business. Don’t panic! An experienced SCORE mentor will be there to guide you through the numbers.
Thursday Sep 23, 2010
6 - 8 PM
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Funding Sources and Next Steps (QS):
This final workshop exposes you to traditional and non-traditional funding sources to finance your business. You will learn what information a bank needs to consider your loan request. You will learn what key elements go into the bank’s loan decision. You will learn to recognize your financial strengths and weaknesses. You will review your progress through the various workshop sessions and discuss what next steps may be needed to make your decision: “go” or “no-go” with your business concept. Your SCORE mentor will continue to work with you to complete any remaining items.
Thursday Sept. 30
6-8 PM
Thursday Sep 30, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
