Resource Center

 


August 18, 2010

SCORE SE Wisconsin offers a variety of resources, in addition to the free counseling and mentoring. These resources provide planning tools, research data, industry comparisons and more to help develop your business.  Most of this information is elsewhere on this web site (Helpful Links, FAQ's and Speaker's Bureau) and some is in the chapter office (see below for sample of office materials).

The "Helpful Links" page contains an extensive list of references (over 150) to non-profit and for profit organizations as well as many government agencies.  There are also downloadable templates and data sheets in some of the topics listed the contain practical information for your business.

One highly recommended resource is the business section of your local library and the university libraries. Obviously, the larger the library the better the resources.  The Milwaukee Public Library has a large business section and librarians on staff available to help you do research for your business.  Available at the library and online are business periodicals and newspapers.  Of special note are:

In addition to printed materials, libraries subscribe to web sites that you cannot get for free on the internet. These sites have more in depth information on all aspects of business.

The local Chamber of Commerce is also a source of information on and networking with local companies and organization that can help you with your business. Be sure to contact your local chamber.

 

Located in the SCORE office are reference books and booklets.  Listed below are some of the booklets that are available free of charge:

Small Business Resource Guide for Wisconsin - This SBA booklet helps you get started with the Wisconsin regulations, financing, contracting and other basics.

Small Business Basics - This SCORE booklet describes the business basics, i.e. Measuring Performance, Marketing Plan, Utilizing Technology, Insurance Options, and more.

How to Really Start Your Own Business - This Inc. publication provides the basics on how to get organized to start a business:  Testing your idea, business plan, funding, use of the internet, and more.

How to Really Structure Your Business - This Inc. publication provides information on the best legal structure for you, your company name, what state to organize in, and more.

10 Simple Steps to Finding Customers... and Delivering the Goods - This SCORE publication in cooperation with UPS provides the steps to build a marketing plan - tips on defining your market, building brand identity, marketing strategies, e-commerce solutions, filling you orders, and more.

Road Map to Success - This SCORE publication in cooperation with Frannet provides information on what it takes to succeed, qualities of a good franchise system, franchise selection decision plan, 4-step research plan, questions to ask franchisers and franchisees, franchise regulations and more.

Listed below is an excellent reference book that is available locally only at SCORE and at the Milwaukee Public Library in the Business Section:

Small Business Source Book - This Thompson publication provides reference information for hundreds of specific businesses, i.e. supply sources, associations, statistical data, data bases, educational programs, etc.

To use these materials in the office contact the office for an appointment by phone (414-297-3942) or e-mail (score@scoresewsiconsin.org). Normal office hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Mon.-Fri.