Meet the Service Corp of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E) for the Austin area. They can provide you with FREE confidential counseling. Just fill out a "Request for Counseling Form", available at the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce; 329 N. Main St., Suite 102, Austin, MN 55912; 507-437-4561.
SCORE can assist you with:
- Assessing your personal skills and commitment to the business.
- Assessing the potential in the market: selecting the type of business that will have the capability of filling other people's needs and wants.
- Determining a proper location.
- Determining the proper type of business organization (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
- Preparing a comprehensive business plan.
- Securing a Small Business Administration loan, if applicable to your business.
- Assisting with the acquisition of alternative financing.
What is SCORE? For 45 years, SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" has been the premier, free business counseling and advice service in the United States. SCORE is a nonprofit association with 370 offices nationwide and more than 11,200 working and retired professionals who volunteer to help a new generation of entrepreneurs.
How does SCORE help small business? SCORE's expert counselors provide business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash flow management, to growing your existing business. Business owners can access SCORE counseling services via face-to-face sessions or online at www.score.org. SCORE also offers business training workshops and seminars on a range of topics at local SCORE offices. SCORE also helps existing businesses to improve their bottom lines.
Are SCORE's services free? SCORE's business counseling services are offered at no cost as a community service.
Does SCORE work with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)? Yes. As a resource partner, SCORE operates in cooperation with the SBA to provide entrepreneurs with information vital tot heir success, including counseling on loans and financial options, business planning, marketing strategies, product development and more.
Who are SCORE counselors? SCORE counselors offer real-world experience gained from owning their own business or serving in management positions for companies like McDonnell Douglas, Hewlett-Packard, Proctor & Gamble and General Electric. Counselors may be retired or working business owners, business executives or operations managers. All SCORE counselors are volunteers who receive specialized training by the association.
Does SCORE offer resources online? Yes. SCORE provides award-winning business resources for entrepreneurs online at www.score.org. With more than 2,000 pages of content, this how-to site provides practical solutions and suggestions on a wide variety of business issues. Ask SCORE is a free online service for entrepreneurs to submit questions to a SCORE online counselor. Questions can be submitted 24/7 and answers come within 48 hours.
How can entrepreneurs contact SCORE for business advice? Business owners can call 507-437-4561 and that will get things started. We have offices at the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.
You may also contact SCORE at:
www.score-rochester.org. Click on Austin link.
Forms, tax numbers, and licenses you may need:
- If you are hiring employees, a copy of Unemployment Insurance Information for Employers is helpful. For more information contact: Minnesota Dept. of Economic Security at (612) 296-6141.
- For tax information, Tax Guide for Small Business (Publication #334) is a must. Call (612)290-3320 for information on FREE tax education workshops. Internal Revenue Service contact: 1-800-829-3676.
- Register the name of your business (your assumed name) and/or file articles of incorporation with Minnesota Secretary of State (612)296-2803.
- Secure business licenses and permits. State of Minnesota: (612)296-5023. City of Austin: (507)437-9940.
- Obtain Sales and Use Tax permit (if applicable). Must be displayed at business location. Call (612)296-6181.
- Register for IRS Business ID Number at (816)926-5999 (Form SS-4). Register for MN Business ID Number at (612)297-3737 (Form MBA)
If you should choose to tackle this project on your own, here are some suggested aids:
Check out the Small Business Administration Web Site at www.sba.gov.
Review A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota. Copies are available at the Chamber.
Prepare a comprehensive business plan. The Region 10 Small Business Development Center in Rochester conducts A Workshop for Small Businesses. Phone: (507)285-7536.
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