Starting a Business Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Starting a small business is a challenge, but the Small Business Center at Surry Community College can give you the tools you need to proceed with your idea. Launching a new business requires careful planning and involves making many important decisions. Below is a list of resources that are available that will assist you each step of the way. The Small Business Center at Surry Community College offers free or low cost services to potential and existing businesses. The staff at the Center, provides confidential counseling in many areas of business concerns (336--386-3309). Educational seminars are available that teach skills that are critical to managing a business. Workshops and seminars are listed on the Surry Community Web site under the Continuing and Corporation Education Division. The Small Business and Technology Center (SBTDC) provides assistance to individuals interested in starting a business as well as providing technical assistance to small to medium-sized businesses. The SBTDC Web site offers an online tool to measure whether a person would be a good candidate for owning a business. The services are free and confidential and can include discussion of issues such as business planning, financing, human resources, and marketing. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a national non-profit organization that focuses on entrepreneurial education. SCORE volunteers provide free, confidential interviews to business owners or to those persons interested in starting a business. A local SCORE representative can be contacted at The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. Other Resources SBTDC: Business Start-Up Resource Guide North Carolina Department of Commerce: Business Notes Small Business Center Network
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