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Starting a BusinessIf you're starting a business, the Small Business Development Center has a three-step process that we recommend for first time business owners.
Step 1
Attend a Pre-Business Workshop put on by S.C.O.R.E. S.C.O.R.E. stands for the Service Corps of Retired Executives, and they work out of the local Chambers of Commerce. The Capitola and Monterey SCORE Chapters have developed a workshop designed specifically for first time business owners in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Step 2
Make an appointment with a SCORE counselor to get a really clear focus of your business idea and just what it is you want to do. SCORE counselors generally are willing to meet with you once or twice, free of charge, as pre-business mentors. We recommend requesting a Start-up Information Packet from the SDBC and completing as much of the Evaluating Your Business Idea document in the packet before meeting with a SCORE counselor. Reviewing and filling out this document will raise questions pertinent to your business idea that you will be able to review at your SCORE counseling session. This document is also an excellent precursor to the development of your Business Plan. To request the Start-up Information Packet, please complete the form on our Request Packet page or email us (be sure to specify if you are from Santa Cruz or Monterey County).
Step 3
Develop your Business Plan. The Workshops page lists the schedule for our Business Plan Workshops as well as instructions on how to register. There is a $30 space and materials fee for our workshop and pre-registration is required. The county branch of the Public Library, as well as our website, have additional resources for Business Plan development.
Once you have developed a good rough draft of your Business Plan, we can provide you with free and confidential counseling services to help you get where you want to go. If, after reviewing this information, you find you have additional questions, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.
Good luck to you in your small business!
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