About

Free Small Business Counseling in Ocean County, New Jersey

Starting a business or expanding a business SCORE can help!

About SCORE

What is the SCORE Association?
What qualifies SCORE members to give business advice?
What kind of counseling does SCORE provide?
Are business secrets safe with SCORE?
Does SCORE offer other services?
How can I contact SCORE for assistance?

What is the SCORE Association?

The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit association comprised of 11,000 volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories. It is supported by, and is a resource partner of the United States Small Business Administration. There are 389 SCORE chapters in urban, suburban and rural communities. SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. These services are offered at no fee, as a community service. SCORE was formed in 1964 and nearly 4 million Americans have utilized SCORE services.

How can SCORE help me in a changing economic environment?

In times of economic change, you must be diligent in preparing advance plans. Look ahead to next year right now. Begin developing a business plan with realistic sales projections and a plan to hold the line on costs. SCORE can provide advice to help you develop or update your plan. SCORE & Visa U.S.A also offer FREE financial management workbooks, How to Secure Financing and How To Choose the Best Bank for Your Business. These guides can help you build a relationship with a bank, so you can obtain a loan when you apply for a loan.

What qualifies SCORE members to give business advice?

The key qualification SCORE counselors bring to clients is real-world experience. SCORE business counselors have general management and specific industry experience that can benefit your business. SCORE business counselors may be working or retired business owners, business executives or operations managers. All SCORE counselors receive specialized training in counseling and mentoring.

What kind of counseling does SCORE provide?

SCORE’s experienced business experts provide general business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash flow management, to developing a small business advisory board. Assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs may involve investigating the market potential for a product or service and assessing the capital needs to start a business. Counselors can provide insight into how to start a business, operate a business, buy a business or franchise and sell a business.

Are business secrets safe with SCORE?

Yes. All SCORE business counselors honor the client’s right to proprietary and confidential information. Client information remains confidential. All SCORE counselors abide by an association Code Of Ethics, which includes protecting the confidences between client and counselor. Each year, counselors reaffirm their commitment to the Code Of Ethics.

Does SCORE offer other services?

Yes. SCORE offers no fee seminars at the Ocean County libraries. Also, full day Saturday workshops at a nominal fee.

Workshop Topics Include:

• � Getting off to a good start
• � Accounting – Keeping records and taxes
• � Financing you business
• � Legal requirements
• � Advertising and Marketing
• � Insurance needs
• � Developing a business plan

How can I contact SCORE for assistance?

You can contact SCORE a number of ways. You can call the Toms River, NJ office, in Ocean County at 732-505-6033 or e-mail us here