Old Saybrook Chamber Provides a New Home for SCORE

Old Saybrook – The Southeastern CT chapter of SCORE has moved their office to the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce building located at 1 Main Street.  SCORE is a national volunteer organization that provides free counseling services to people interested in starting a small business and in growing and expanding their existing business. “Having our offices in the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce building makes perfect sense. Our two organizations share the same goal – helping small businesses in our area grow and prosper,” said Bob Potter, who became chairman of SCORE earlier this year. “It’s really coming home for us. Our SCORE chapter office was originally located in the old Chamber of Commerce office in Old Saybrook. So it’s nice to be back." “We have worked closely with SCORE for many years,” said Judy Sullivan, Executive Director of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce. “So having them in the Chamber’s office building is good for everyone. We’re looking forward to working with SCORE on developing special small business workshops for our Chamber members and as a counseling resource for them as well.”  SCORE is a partner of  the Small Business Administration (SBA) and is celebrating its 50th year of service. In addition to providing one-on-one free counseling, SCORE offers year round workshops and seminars sponsored by many of the area’s local banks and chambers of commerce on subjects that range from creating a business plan and managing your business finances to franchising and using social media to market your business. “I think SCORE is one of the best small business resources in our region,” said Potter. “We have more than 30 members in our chapter who have such a wide range of business background and experience to share. To request a free counseling session,just go to our website at www.sect.score.org. We have SCORE counseling locations in Guilford, Madison, Old Saybrook, Essex, Middletown, Norwich, and Waterford, whichlet's us schedule a time and location that’s most convenient for clients. The process begins with a listening meeting to learn about the client’s goals for their small business, whether it’s advice on a start-up idea or providing help on an existing business. Our goal at SCORE is to be a long-term resource for each client, offering ongoing advice and recommendations.” “Recruiting new members to SCORE is another goal for our organization,” stated Potter. “We offer a great way for working and recently retired business people in our area to share their knowledge and expertise which will have a positive impact on the economy in Southeastern Connecticut. Anyone interested in becoming a SCORE volunteer can go to our website and apply. It’s that simple.”