Experienced Business Counselors Helping Maine's Entrepreneurs
Our counselors have hands on experience and success in most general business disciplines and in these areas specifically:
Advertising
Banking
Commercial Printing
Communications Equipment and Telephone
Computer and Data Processing Services
Computer and Office Equipment
Construction
Consulting
Engineering and Architectural
Export/Import
General Merchandise Stores
Insurance Agents, Brokers and Services
International Business
Legal Services
Manufacturer Representative
Manufacturing
Mergers and Acquisitions
Paper Products
Production Management
Public Relations
Publishing
Real Estate Agents and Operators
Research and Testing Services
Restaurants
Sales and Marketing
Wholesale Operation
Start benefiting from our expertise and experience.
Contact us today to request free counseling session with one of our experts.
Typical of SCORE's volunteer counselors are (from left) Steve Edmondson, Dick Davis, and Jan Nichols. Steve has a wealth of knowledge gained during a career working for a large industrial company. Dick spent a career turning troubled businesses around. Jan gained her knowledge as an entrepreneur and owner of a successful retail business in Portland. These SCORE volunteers are committed to our clients and to making a difference in the community.
We look forward to helping you make your dreams come true. If you're starting a business, a group of dedicated counselors with experience in business startups will be there to help you.
However, if you're already in business and have a particular need, request help from a counselor with the appropriate background when you request your counseling appointment.

Ashok Nalamalapu,
iCST
"I wanted to start a business in Maine and I approached SCORE to guide me. I was counseled on how to start a business and write a business plan"
Maine is fast becoming a thriving haven for small high tech businesses. The Portland area provides a job pool of recent technology graduates and returning experienced IT specialists. Offer that combination to an entrepreneur like Ashok Nalamalapu and you have the basis for business success.
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
