Tag Archives: SCORE

Tips On Financing Small Businesses

VBR is kicking off a series with SCORE, a nonprofit organization fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops. The nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors helps small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow.   In this SCORE Q&A, we hear from Pete Carvell, a SCORE mentor, leader and past district director. Q: What are some options in financing a small business? A: There are several ways to…

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SCORE Seeks South Texas Volunteers

The SBA works with a number of local partners to counsel, mentor and train small businesses. One of those partners is SCORE, a network of volunteer mentors with a mission to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. SCORE is currently seeking volunteers in South Texas to help in its mission. Those looking for an opportunity to give back and make an impact on South Texas businesses may…

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Grow Your Business Through Mentorship

mentor

When you start a new business, the possibilities are endless. From the type of products or services to deciding a company name, you can take any direction you want. Being your own boss can also come with challenges. When you own a business, it’s up to you to set priorities and make decisions. You may encounter situations you haven’t faced before and feel unsure about how to proceed. Fortunately, you…

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SBA Hosts National Virtual Conference

Small Business Week Virtual Conference

As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE are hosting a free online conference. Taking place May 7-8 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., the conference offers exclusive educational webinars and mentoring sessions. Participates will also experience networking opportunities as well as have access to downloadable resources. Participating industry experts include those from Visa, Chase, Constant Contact, Square and Google. Representatives will talk about the…

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Mentoring: the Missing Link to Small Business Growth and Survival

As a former small business owner and entrepreneur, I know first-hand the support, resources and access to networks and financing that entrepreneurs need. While there are many businesses that experience success, the fact remains that only half of all small businesses survive more than five years (source: SBA Office of Advocacy); and about 10-12 percent of all employee-based firms close each year. There is growing evidence, however, that connecting a business…

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Travel the Digital Highway

SCORE volunteer Rebecca Esparza talks about digital marketing during a seminar hosted by the Small Business Administration in Harlingen.

The signs are everywhere but if you don’t have a road map it’s easy to get lost. That’s very true in today’s mobile world, although your company vehicle does not have wheels and it fits in the palm of your hand. Yes, welcome to the increasingly challenging world of digital marketing. Promoting a business digitally is nothing new, but it’s growing and changing every day. It’s becoming more and more…

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The Path to Starting a Business

Retired businessman and SCORE volunteer Lionel Levin speaks to a group of aspiring entrepreneurs. (VBR)

A retired pipefitter and welder said he wanted to gather information that would “help my grandchildren get something better than I’ve got.” Others in the room were considering starting businesses such as a second-hand boutique, a construction company and an environmental consulting firm. What they all had in common was a desire to find success owning and operating their own business. About 30 people gathered in January at the Small…

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