We’ve all heard that one. When someone offers to buy you lunch, you’re almost certain  to find out there are strings attached with an ultimate cost to you.  The cost is not necessarily in dollars, but often is in some kind of commitment you might otherwise balk at making.

   There are many things that are free though, which may have given rise to the expression “the best things in life are free.”  After reading this article, I hope you’ll agree that in this particular case, the best coaching and advice relating to running your business is indeed free.

   Since your reading this newsletter, chances are you’re a member of the Fennville Chamber of Commerce. Chances are further that you’re a small business owner. The challenges facing a small business are many. Topics such as advertising and marketing, issues relating to finance, handling employees and countless other issues are continuing challenges that small businesses must face. The small business owner must wear many hats and become expert in a wide variety of skills. Where can small business owners go to acquire or sharpen these diverse skills? 

 Enter, SCORE.

   SCORE is an acronym for Service Corps of Retired Executives. They bill themselves as  Counselors to America’s Small Business. They’re a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

   The organization is made up of over ten thousand volunteers of retired and active business professionals. They’re executives and corporate leaders who are willing to share their wisdom and lessons learned from their own front line experience.  More than 600 distinct business skills may be found in this diverse and learned group covering virtually every aspect of starting and running a successful business. They provide their services, free of charge, from 369 locations nationwide. You can even contact a SCORE expert online to get the specific help you need.    

   Great, you say.  How do I contact a SCORE professional? 

   Glad you asked! Coincidentally and conveniently there’s a SCORE office right next door in Holland. They’re located at 272 East 8th Street and can be reached at 616-392-2389.

   You can also learn more about SCORE by going to their website at www.score.org  We urge you to take advantage of this free resource. You may decide there IS such a thing as a free lunch, figuratively speaking. Ώ