Plan + Start

Success Story

Kathy's Miracle Cleaners

Success Story

Cha Cha’s Doggie Day Care Uses SCORE Mentor as Financial Sounding Board

While Cha Cha’s is a dream come true for busy dog owners, the business exists only because Desalene was unable to realize her dream of bringing her own dog to her former job. “I tried every argument imaginable to convince my boss that it’d be OK, but he never agreed,” she says. “I was 27 then, and figured that if I was ever going to strike out on my own, this was the time to do it.” Desalene quit her job and began providing dog care at her client’s homes. Because many of them had other, sometimes exotic pets that were difficult to deal with, she decided it would be better for everyone if she

Success Story

Closets by Design Orlando

Through careful marketing, hard work and implementing a strategy of providing a quality product at a reasonable price, the pair sold and installed more than 1,500 organizational systems in 2005. The franchise now has more than 30 employees, and the prognosis for strong future revenue is excellent. “We are now receiving many referral leads from satisfied clients,” Qualters says. (Qualters later left the company in 2010.) “The team that we put together – SCORE, our accountant, and lawyer – was instrumental to our business," Qualters says. "When we made our decision to purchase the franchise and

Success Story

Big Bear Inc.

Edwards fully understood the value of listening to SCORE’s advice after Big Bear's first year. Sales were increasing dramatically, yet the small company was running out of cash. "I didn't think it was possible to do that," he says. "Fortunately, we were able to make adjustments and get back on track rather quickly. But you can bet that when my accountant or advisors tell me something now, I pay attention." Sales grew from $60,000 in Big Bear's first year to about $1 million in 1998.

Success Story

The Curtain Exchange

The Curtain Exchange, a retail shop selling curtains and draperies, was founded by Melinda Faranetta and others and opened in May of 2001. Melinda had extensive experience in the field which was a major strength when she decided to open her own business. From September 2000 to June 2001 Melinda met frequently with her team of SCORE counselors: Joe Marcus, Don Weckwerth, Norm Brown, and Phil Marks. They worked together to assist Melinda in writing the business plan, developing financial performance measures, assessing financing alternatives, and drafting incorporation documents for the company

Success Story

Wing Zone Franchise

SCORE Client Purchases Franchise December 19th, 2002- SCORE Plano client, Peter M. Cabaniss has obtained SBA financing to pursue his dream of owning and operating a National Fast Food Franchise. SCORE Counselor Lyman Bowe assisted Peter with his pursuit of a WingZone Inc. Franchise. Peter has obtained the franchise/territory rights for Richardson and Plano, Texas. WingZone has nine restaurants opening in the metroplex with an additional six to open in 2003. When asked about the help he received from SCORE, Peter remarked; "Lyman Bowe and his vast experience with franchising has been a blessing

Success Story

Haggar Collars Receives Free Help From SCORE

Hagar Collars, the idea of Els Bowen, was created because of Bowen's experiences with their pet bird, Hagar. Hagar started plucking his neck, so the Bowens took him to their veterinarian to see what could be done to remedy the problem. The veterinarian placed a "Victorian collar" on Hagar's neck. The collar lasted approximately 15 seconds before Hagar ripped it to shreds. The vet then suggested the plucking could be remedied by utilizing PVC to create a neck brace. Looking for a better solution, the Bowens found, after numerous alterations and adjustments, a softer and lighter foam material

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Counseling Session Questions - Prepare in Advance Share

Before your first session with a SCORE counselor, please go to http://www2.lc.edu/score/appt_chk_lst.htm for a set of questions to prepare. Having addressed some of these topics in advance will help maximize your time with your counselor.

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The Business Plan Process - Brief SBA Presentation Share

Go to http://paloalto.com/ps/bp/demo/sba/index.html for access to an overview of the business plan process.

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3-Year Profit and Loss Projection

This template can be used to calculate the projected profit of 3 years.

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