Bella Ink From Melissa Danaher About SCORE: Bella Ink, a greeting card company, had grown from a home-based business into a recognizable brand available in hundreds of card and gift shops across the country in just over three years. I am an artist and had no idea how to run a business. I contacted SCORE when I knew that we were going to be a viable business. I realize that to have seasoned business people help me along the way was crucial in our success. I had my first meeting with Lee McFadden and Bill Carver. They talked to me about balance sheets, cash flow projections and accounting. I quickly lined up an accounting person, knowing this was not my forte! Several months later I came back with balance sheets and sales numbers. I could tell by the puzzled look on their faces that things weren't adding up. I would have never in a milllion years been able to pick up on the inconsistencies in the numbers. It was just not my thing! Thanks to them, I hired a NEW IMPROVED accounting person and got back on track. At the next pivotal meeting we discussed selling our products to big box stores. They explained that those can be good accounts to have but to be careful of margins, discounts and special treatment, as well as contracts about returning merchandise that didn't sell, etc. They made the point that we are doing so well selling to boutique shops that I should really think hard about selling to the BIG GUYS. We crunched numbers and although we were flattered by the "idea" of being in some big name stores, it was not the right time for us as a business. Once again, this saved us! Their experience has really helped us in crucial times in our business. Their insight and expertise is priceless. I honestly don't know what I would do without them!
LOLLIPOP PORTRAIT, INC. From Kate Dwyer, CEO About SCORE: I want to take a moment to thank you for all you have done to help Lollipop Portraits, Inc get started. Your advice can not be measured. Your expertise in EVERYTHING helped me set up my corporation for success. I came to you looking for a trusted advisor and found a lasting friendship. I am honored to call you "coach" and will always be indebted to you and the SCORE team. I credit SCORE for helping me with setting up success in all areas of my business and will continue to recommend Naperville SCORE to everyone I meet.
Emerald Marketing, Inc. From Tim Sullivan About SCORE: Emerald Marketing, Inc. needed to develop a business plan for a new service it is offering: community magazine publishing. The primary differentiation of this service involves a partnership with the various taxing bodies in a community. Finding bank financing for the venture was a critical part of the business plan. We went to SCORE for help. Working closely with two SCORE, counselors, Lee McFadden and Bruce Zimmerman, we spent months developing a business plan and refining the business model. The end result was a comprehensive business plan with clearly defined financials, objectives and goals. The SCORE executives that we work with have gone over and above in helping us structure a successful business. We would not have been able to accomplish our financing goals without them. The business plan and financial support are now in place to allow us to offer and deliver a highly regarded publication service to the marketplace.