We'd Like You to be Our Next Success Story

Americana Workshop
Kennebunk, ME
Cynthia Hamilton, Founder and owner
http://www.americanaworkshop.com/

"I couldn't have done it without the help I got from SCORE counselors Jan Nichols and Skip Orem"

Cindy first met with SCORE Counselors Jan Nichols and Skip Orem seeking assistance with expansion plans for her antique retail and reproduction business in Kennebunk. Working with them, she developed a business plan and financial analysis for presentation to local lending institutions. Her counselors provided guidance in analyzing her business objectives and developing financial projections. Recently Cindy hosted the grand opening of AMERICANA WORKSHOP's 200% expansion. Since then, income has more than doubled and profitability has been excellent. Twice named York County Antique Dealer of the Year, in late 2006, Cindy completed another 50% expansion of her business. She has stated that "I couldn't have done it without all the help I got from Jan and Skip."

Elm Street Assisted Living
Topsham, ME
Jill Wallace, Founder and owner

“SCORE helped me when I worked for a non-profit and again when I started my own business.”

Jill Wallace first encountered SCORE when she was employed by a charity and attended SCORE workshops.  That learning experience helped her in her job, but also gave her the confidence to write a business plan for a new small business endeavor. “It was simple, but SCORE had convinced me I needed a plan to guide me in my new venture.”

That venture involved renovating an 1840’s mansion in Topsham to provide assisted leaving for up to six women in a caring group setting, offering them spiritual, emotional and physical nourishment. Creating the accounting structure for a new company employing five people, and learning Quckbooks presented a challenge to Jill as it does to any new business unit. So Jill turned to SCORE again for help. “SCORE counsellor John Frothingham made a real difference – showing me how to use Quickbooks, set up invoices and generate accurate billing.”

iCST
Portland, ME
Ashok Nalamalapu, President
http://www.i-cst.com

"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. 

In 1997, when Ashok was setting up his computer consulting firm, iCST, one of his first moves was to approach Portland SCORE for business advice. He took SCORE’s basic workshops and then came in for counselling and mentoring. He credits his SCORE experience with helping him get a sound start and develop a focus on his business niche. Today iCST employs 50 professionals and has won numerous awards for business excellence, including the SBA’s Minority Owned Small Business Award.

“I regularly recommend SCORE to small business persons and entrepreneurs in need of business planning assistance”

M. R. Brewer Fine Woodworking
Portland, ME
Rusty and Patty Brewer, Founders and Owners
http://www.mrbrewer.com

“Portland SCORE has provided guidance to two generations of Brewers.”

Like many small businesses, M.R. Brewer Fine Woodworking started its life in the family garage. However, within a few months of its founding in 1987, and with 12 employees already on board, the company moved into its own premises and began concentrating on its two main business areas: residential construction/renovation and cabinetry.

Rusty and Patty Brewer first came to SCORE six years later, in 1994, for counselling on financial management for their fast growing company. In 2004 they returned to SCORE with their sons, Matt and Jeff, who had just joined the family business. Several sessions were held at the Portland chapter office to discuss topics ranging from company mission to succession planning. All found the meetings helpful in expanding the dialogue among the principals of a company which now provides employment for 24 skilled workers. Rusty expressed his appreciation: “SCORE is huge – you can spend time with experts and not have to have $10,000 in your pocket.”

Maine Business Brokers
,
,

Maine Warmers
Scarborough, ME
Betsy Hanscom, Founder and Owner
http://www.mainewarmers.com/

"If I had not had that business plan I don't think I would have been successful"

Little did Betsy Hanscom know when she created a warmer for her husband's bad back that it would transform her into an entrepreneur and successful business owner. Today, Maine Warmers LLC, a developer and manufacturer of microwavable heating pads and ice packs, distributes their Maine-made products around the world through retailers and directly off their website. Betsy keeps busy doing the design work, purchasing fabrics, running the website, and orchestrating the activities of three subcontractors. SCORE has been with Betsy from the beginning. "SCORE provided me with the building blocks of a business-materials, templates, and knowledge for developing a business plan." Bob Marlowe brought marketing expertise and when Betsy had difficulty finding fabric suppliers Bob brought in Bill Shubert who provided information that led to a solution. "SCORE is part of my team."

Premiere Web Services
Portland, ME
C S Wurzberger, Founder & CEO
http://www.premierewebservices.com

"When I started my own business I depended on SCORE's workshops to put me on the right path"

C S is the epitome of a Maine entrepreneur. Starting her career at the age of 16 by running her own gift store, she is now the CEO of Premiere Web Services, a company she founded in 2000. With the confidence and knowledge gained by relying on SCORE's advice during the start-up phase, she has grown her business into one of the region's leading internet strategy firms. She has also recently launched a second company, Gift Shops of America , which trades solely on the web and has fast become one of the nation's largest gift shop directories. She also finds time for one of her favorite activities-teaching and lecturing. C S gives seminars around the country and is the presenter of Portland SCORE's informative website workshop series. When C S started her first company she turned to SCORE to learn more about owning and running her own business. She attended the Writing a Business Plan, Marketing/Sales, and Buying a Business workshops. "These workshops played a critical role in my early success." Now she helps others to understand the value of using the web in their own small businesses.

The Front Room Restaurant
Portland, ME
Harding Smith, Chef owner
Http://www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com

"Without SCORE's advice I don't know how I would have raised the money I needed."

Filled to capacity almost every night The Front Room on Munjoy Hill has become famous for its casual atmosphere and simple innovative food. But there is more to a restaurant than the food-it is also a business and Chef owner Harding Smith understands the importance of the business side of the house. Harding keeps a close eye on the business as well as the menu, not only for himself but also because his investors expect it. SCORE worked with Harding to fine tune his business plan, create a prospectus and implement an innovative investment strategy. Working with SCORE counselors Jim Drake and Alan Shaver, Harding was able to execute a private placement raising the capital he needed from quality investor-partners. As a result The Front Room Restaurant was launched and we are all able to enjoy the result.