Chamber sees business counseling climb as local economy recovers

Lake Norman, NC (July 21, 2010) - Local businesses are contacting the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and utilizing the Chamber’s strong partnership with SCORE to get assistance and advice on the challenges facing their businesses or in starting a new business. SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, is actively providing counseling to chamber members and others on issues such as marketing, expansion, financing, acquisition and business plans for new businesses. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the organization can provide counseling on financing programs available through the SBA which are designed to assist small and start-up businesses.

There is no charge for SCORE counseling services. Their counselors are volunteers from a variety of business and professional categories. There are eight SCORE counselors which serve the Lake Norman area who possess experience in both good and bad economic cycles which is particularly valuable today. These counselors are supported by approximately 70 counselors in the Charlotte region when special expertise is needed. Counseling sessions with SCORE are arranged by the Lake Norman Chamber in their office by calling 704-892-1922.

Since the beginning of 2010 SCORE has provided counseling and advice to 45 individuals, many interested in starting a new business. Through the organization’s web site (score.org) businesses can access free advice, templates for business planning, on-line training and links to resources. The chapter conducts twice monthly “Getting Started” seminars for people thinking about starting a business. Information on these seminars can be found at www.charlottescore.org.