SCORE has been helping entrepreneurs for more than three decades
Everyone needs a little advice now and again, a nudge in the right direction, someone to bounce ideas off or provide a helping hand. This is exactly what small businesses have had since 1984 through the mentors who volunteer for Northern Arizona SCORE – and best of all, it is free.
The main office for the Northern Arizona Chapter is located in Prescott; but help is available throughout Yavapai, Coconino and Mohave counties. The extent of knowledge from this one chapter covers such wide-ranging expertise as accounting, aerospace, academia, banking, product development, hospitality, photography and piloting, to name few.
In addition to all the knowledge and experience SCORE volunteers bring, they can tap into national resources to help clients.
Regardless of whether someone is beginning a business or has been operating for years, the entrepreneur can gain from the seasoned professionals and avoid common pitfalls in areas such as:
(1) Beginning a business, establishing name and legal entity
(2) Promoting, pricing and selling a product or service
(3) Accounting and financial management techniques
(4) Protecting intellectual property with patents, copyrights and trademarks
(5) Hiring, training, compensating and motivating employees
(6) Creating a Business Plan and finding financing
(7) Complying with business and labor laws and regulations
(8) Using the Internet in business
Eric Moore, owner of Jay’s Bird Barn, began his business in 2003 in a 575-square-foot building at Watters Garden Center in Prescott. He has worked with three different counselors through the course of his business transitions. Moving from that small space to a shop in the Safeway Shopping Center on Willow Creek Road, dealing with a fire at that location, expanding his Prescott store to now having three shops; the original in Prescott, one in Sedona and the third, opened just last year in Flagstaff.
“SCORE has provided ongoing support over the years and several of the SCORE counselors are also my customers,” said Moore, “and the support has been both on an informal basis and then on a structured basis when I needed more formalized assistance. So, even though I didn’t always have a need for specific direction, I still had casual but consistence guidance. And, when I needed more assistance, SCORE has been there.”
Larry Curell, owner of Better Deal Printing, began his business in his garage. Now, with support from his co-mentors, Tom Roegge and Joe VanBourgondien, he has acquired the designation of a disabled veteran business owner and has franchised his business. He now has franchisees in five states and just moved his headquarters in Prescott to a 13,850-square-foot location at 6750 Intercal Way near the airport.
Curell encourages other entrepreneurs to reach out to SCORE. “Don’t wait for the phone to ring; you have to be pro-active and ask for the business you seek.”
Bob and Susan Obijiski had been looking for an opportunity to own their own business. In 2013, the owners of Ramsey’s Rocks and Minerals, a Sedona retail landmark, decided it was time to retire and sell their business. The Obijiskis were paired with Wade Bell. With his background in commercial banking, this relationship turned out to be an excellent match. Wade guided Bob and Susan through the steps needed to value the business, create a business plan, obtain an SBA loan, negotiate a fair purchase price and, ultimately, make Ramsey’s their own.
“Many business owners consider SCORE for the free advice and counsel, and that is certainly a benefit, but the real value is in the years of experience and knowledge the SCORE team offers,” said Susan. “Their insight and skill provide a steady hand for both new and existing business owners. More than two years into our relationship, Wade is still with us, offering counsel and advice and helping us to develop creative ways to succeed in our business endeavor. We consider Wade a part of our team.”
Those planning to start a business or want to make changes – either large or small – to an existing business, may also find SCORE’s resources beneficial. QCBN
For information, call 928-778-7438, email scoreoffice@scorenaz.org or go to northernarizona.score.org.
Written by Ginni Trask Comstock