This is a tough time to run a small business.  Actually, let’s be honest . . . . ANY time is a tough time to run a small business.  There are so many facets of business to consider, the economy is so questionable, and it is never an easy journey.  But there is some help available for local business owners in our community.

On Wednesday, December 4^th, at 7:00 PM in the Cranford Community Center at 220 Walnut Avenue, SCORE, an organization of volunteer businesspeople, is offering a free “check-up” session for small businesses.  This is a wonderful opportunity for small business owners to reap the benefits of others’ past knowledge.  And all you need to do is make a phone call or email, and dig out a calculator to bring with you.  The program is free and all are welcome, but pre-registration  IS required. To register, call the library at 908-709-7272 and ask for John Malar, or email the library at cranfordlibrary@gmail.com, with your name, telephone number, and email address.

Originally founded in 1964, SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. They now have 364 chapters throughout the United States and its territories, with over 13,000 volunteers nationwide.  The organization is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and has been mentoring small business owners for more than forty years with a huge network of volunteers offering small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge. It is a way for those who have achieved success with the help of others to pay it forward.  They provide local workshops and events, such as the one being offered at the library, throughout the country to connect small business owners with the people and information they need to start, grow, and maintain their businesses.  Online workshops are also available at all times. SCORE provides resources, templates and tools to assist entrepreneurs in developing tools and plans they need to navigate their way, through what can be murky waters, to small business success.

To learn more about the local chapter, check out their website at SCORE