“I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without the help of the SCORE StartSMART™ program,” says Tom Sullivan. Tom is about to launch a manufacturing operation making unique, patented pet doors that install easily in sliding doors.

SCORE, the organization Tom is talking about, is a national group of business executives who volunteer their time to counsel people like Tom about starting or growing a small business. Tom worked with the Princeton chapter, which covers Mercer and Middlesex counties and has 40 experienced business counselors who volunteer their time and expertise.

“I worked on this idea for three years “said Tom. But StartSMART™ really helped put all the pieces together. StartSMART™ is an innovative new program combining class work and hands-on attention to detail.  It consists of a series of five three-hour seminars on topics ranging in scope from business plan writing to how finance a company. Prospective business owners are given homework assignments and assigned mentors who work with them throughout the program to help keep them totally engaged during the process and make their business idea a reality.

RoseMarie LaMar has also recently completed the program and is starting her business - a consulting firm that advises small businesses on various Human Resources issues.

“SCORE helped me understand all that’s involved in starting a business and do what I had to do to succeed in this tough economy,“ says RoseMarie.

According to Bill Litchman, President of the Princeton chapter, “StartSMART™ is another example of how we at SCORE are innovating and expanding the role we’ve played for years, helping people launch successful small businesses.  It enables those who need our services to take advantage of our expertise in a much more personal and focused way.”

For Tom and RoseMarie, it means their dream of starting a business is finally coming true; and for others it provides a chance to do the same.

To learn more about the StartSMART™ series, see our Local Events page.

ABOUT SCORE:  Princeton SCORE is a non-profit, volunteer resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, with more than forty small business owners and executives who volunteer their time and expertise to help others start a new business or help improve the profitability of existing ones.  

To set up an appointment for free counseling sessions, call 609-393-0505. On line counseling is also available at www.score.org.  For additional information about Princeton SCORE and its free seminars, workshops, events, and tutorials, visit www.princeton.score.org.