March Bits & Pieces

 
SUCCESS STORY

 
Close friends Jeffrey Busch and Nancy Jack, who both left the workforce to take care of their families, have been getting together for weekly lunch for years. At lunch after a vacation on Nantucket, Busch lamented how much the horseflies irritated him on the beach, and the two started joking about a "Nantucket spider": the creature they wished had evolved to keep those annoying flies at bay. 
 
How SCORE helped: While they had a good product, neither Busch nor Jack had a business background. After learning that Busch had struggled with a business plan template, mentor Barry Skalka asked the pair to step back from the intricacies of a formal business plan, and had them answer questions about their business. Where did they want to see themselves in a year? How did they plan to get there?
 
 
Read the full article 
 
Five Factors Angels Look  For 
in an Investment Opportunity

 


Are you thinking of approaching an angel investor to put money into your start-up or to help you scale up? Before you start contacting local angels, you should understand what they look for, so you make sure you are approaching the right angel groups and providing them with the information they need to make a "go" investment decision.


Where Can I Get Business Financing?




Sources of funding go far beyond traditional bank loans. From family and friends to leasing and factoring, crowdfunding campaigns and government grants, businesses have plenty of options to consider.
 
95 percent  of all start-ups are funded, in part, by personal savings and funds from family and friends. So, that is the place to start.

 
Upcoming Webinars and Workshops 
 
Financing the Startup Enterprise [Webinar] 
April 3 @ 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EDT
When starting a business, it's essential to have access to enough money to get through the initial months of operations. "How" you and your colleagues put money into the venture is just as important as "how much". Learn how to avoid creating tax problems and turning off future investors.



How the New Laws Will Impact Your Individual and Business Taxes 
March 14 -  6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. - Ferguson Library - Harry Bennett Branch 
The new tax laws have a financial impact on virtually every American. And they affects all individuals, as well as both small and large businesses. There is both good news and bad news. We plan to have an open discussion about many of the changes.



The Art of the Lean Business Canvas 
March 22 @ 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Wilton Library
If only there was a way to test the viability of your business idea before going all in? There is. At the heart of all these reasons for product failure is one core reason: We waste needless time, money, and effort building something nobody wants.






In 2016 our chapter started 846 new businesses and created 705 non-owner jobs (independently verified).  We are very proud of our track record and accomplishments and welcome you to take advantage of our services at your convenience.  

We would also encourage you to volunteer with us and help continue the mission of being America's top small business advocates.  The leaders of our Chapter are committed to maintaining the highest standards and performing for our clients at the highest possible level.

 
 SCORE Fairfield County
 203-831-0065  

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for more than 50 years.
 
Because our work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to our network of 10,000+ volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at a very low cost.
 
Find out more about our Mission, Vision and Values here.