Medford, Oregon, (October 4th, 2023) – Avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes by learning from someone who has been there and done that! SCORE business counselors are available once every third Tuesday of the month at the Medford Library from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for free and confidential one-on-one small business counseling. The next event is coming up on October 17th. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. They are a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and have mentored small business owners for more than 40 years.
Individuals who operate or wish to start small businesses can discuss business planning, organization, start-up, finance, marketing, and other critical business issues with SCORE volunteers in confidential sessions. No appointment is necessary. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can talk to someone with experience, according to Bruce Kelling, a SCORE Medford chapter volunteer coordinator. “Our volunteers have years of valuable business experience in many different industries. Talking to one of them can help sole proprietors save time and money, plus feel supported in their progress,” said Kelling.
Libraries support equity, diversity, and inclusion for entrepreneurs. According to a recent Libraries Build Business survey conducted by the American Library Association (ALA), 77% of attendees at library business programs identified as women and 64% identified as BIPOC. Library business programs reach underserved populations and are a trusted resource in underserved communities. October is also National Women’s Small Business Month. Programs like Meet a Business Mentor are a crucial source of support for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women who may not have a substantial business network of their own.
For more information about Central Oregon SCORE please visit their web site at http://centraloregon.score.org.