Workshops & Events

All SCORE workshops are interactive.  This means that the presentation is not a lecture;  instead class participation is encouraged and the attendees learn both from the teacher and from other participating attendees.

Workshops will be supplemented by free mentoring by a SCORE mentor.  There is no limit on the frequency or on the duration of this mentoring and it is always free. 

There are three core workshops which are repeated approximately quarterly.  The integrated design of these core workshops prepares the entrepreneur for writing a business plan which is essential for the success of a small business.  All three core workshops are offered for a total of $75.  A partner may accompany a paid attendee to any workshop at no charge but only one set of handout material will be given.   In addition to the core workshops, other workshops on specific subjects of interest to entrepreneurs are given throughout the year.

Starting Your Business

How does a motivated entrepreneur start a small business?  What are all of the things which should be done to launch the business and to meet legal and tax requirements?  This workshop answers these questions and, in addition, discusses methods of evaluating the business idea.  There will be a discussion of your motivation to start the business and how you can asses the potential for success. 

Marketing Your Business

This workshop discusses the most important part of any business plan.  There are three primary areas of discussion: Market Research; Business Goals; and the Strategic Marketing Plan. Without a good effort in this part of the business plan, the financial projections will be questionable because they will be based on dubious market conditions. 

Financial Management of Your Business

This workshop discusses how the aspiring entrepreneur or an existing business owner uses good market information to make financial projections for a specified time period, usually one year.  These financial projections are typically for: Cash Flow; Profit and Loss; and the Balance Sheet.  These financial projections are a necessary part of any business plan and the ensuing monthly financial statements are used to manage the business. 

 Meeting with a Mentor to develop an Effective Business Plan

A business plan for a typical small business does not have to be a complex document of many pages. Working with a mentor you will go through a step by step through the simplified SCORE method of creating an effective business plan.

If you have any questions regarding the Workshops described above you can submit them to workshop@scorevolunteer.org or make a reservation for any or all of the Workshops at http://centralvirginia.score.org/events