What exactly is cash flow? It is the movement of funds in and out of your company. Ultimately, it is the lifeline of your small business. There are several ways to better manage consistent cash flow. Eleven small business professionals share their tips on how to effectively manage cash flow. |
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Take your digital efforts to the next level by thinking outside the box. Get 10 innovative ways to stay in touch with your customers, and keep the sales coming in.Download the eGuide
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The holiday season is the perfect time to show your customers why they should stay with you. But instead of spending a lot of extra money, show them you care—something that will go a long way.Read these 5 budget-friendly tips.
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Two Upcoming Business Growth Workshops |
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Tuesday Dec 8 from 12:30pm - 2:30 pm
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Considering business ownership? Ready to leave employment behind? Want to start a business while employed?
This No Cost event is for anyone that wants to:
create their own corporate ladder; start a business while employed; enjoy career independence; build equity in their own business; learn about franchises expanding in their markets; hear about business financing options
Preregistration is required. NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Presenter: Mike Hall
Mike is President and owner of Franchise Resource Group Ltd., a.k.a. FranNet Carolina, a franchise sales and consulting firm with offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Charleston. He and his team advise clients on how to search for and evaluate franchise opportunities and are responsible for placing over 500 new franchise owners throughout the Carolinas. Mike served on the FranNet National Board of Directors in 2000, 2004 and 2005. He was named a Consultant of the Year in 1999 and 2000 and a Top Performing Office in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2012. In 2009 his office was recognized with a 'Commitment to Excellence' award. Mike is also a franchise owner himself and has been since 1991.
Before opening FranNet Carolina, Mike spent 8 years as V.P. Sales and Marketing for a West Coast furniture manufacturer. Prior to that he worked as V.P of Marketing for a small high-tech company and spent 12 years with the DuPont Company in engineering and sales and marketing management.
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Thursday Dec 10 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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It's time you take control of your business like never before. If you’ve ever found yourself in February and your goals are already a distant memory or you’re disappointed as you look back in December on what you didn’t accomplish (but had planned to), you aren’t alone. Goals shouldn’t be that way. Don't get caught up in typical goal setting practices...it's time to reverse your goals and watch them come alive! Stacey Brown Randall of the Goal Finishers Club will walk you through a process to see your goals in a whole new way. Her clients amaze themselves on what they are able to accomplish following her Reverse Goal Setting process.
Here’s what you’ll learn during this session:
- Set goals that actually matter and provide a direction to where you want to go long-term
- Connect your goals to your why… giving you a better chance to actually accomplish them
- Identify major milestones, layout your roadmap and create your action plan (so crushing your goals actually happen!)
Preregistration is required. NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Presenter: Stacey Brown Randall
· Five-week sabbatical taken 2 years earlier than planned.
· Additional $100,000 in revenue from finishing a goal that had languishing on the “goals list” for
4 years.
· Finally carving out 80 hours to complete a special licensing.
· An award-winning book written and published 1 year earlier than planned.
These wins are real and from real business owners. Goals that became reality. And they happened because of Stacey Brown Randall’s unique goal setting process and execution.
Stacey may be known for her Referrals Without Asking strategy as she is the author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking and host of the Roadmap to Grow Your Business podcast.
But teaching business owners how to successfully set goals with her Reverse Goal Setting Process and then hold them accountable through her Goal Finishers Club, allows her to fulfill a promise she made when her first business failed. To help other business owners avoid business failure. Stacey loves helping business owners not only set goals that matter but then crush them!
Stacey’s heart is in helping small business owners and solopreneurs from around the world. She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, CEO World, Fox News, and more.
Stacey received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids.
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Upcoming Local Workshops and Information |
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In-Person Events Are Suspended;
SCORE Charlotte Online Support Is Available
The health of small business owners, their employees and our Mentors is our top priority. All SCORE chapters across the country have suspended in-person events, including mentoring sessions and workshops, until further notice.
Mentoring Sessions
Mentors are available to participate in remote mentoring sessions via phone, email and video. If you already have a SCORE mentor, ask them if you can use a remote mentoring method for your sessions. If you don’t already have a mentor, you can request a business mentor today. Our Intake Team will get your request and contact you.
Local Workshops - Simple Steps are virtual
Business Growth Workshops are BACK!
Sign up TODAY!
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Simple Steps Workshop Series;
Is Starting a Business Right for You?
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Is Starting a Business Right for You? Start-up Basics: This is an introductory workshop.
Start-up Basics: This introductory workshop focuses on the basics of testing your business idea and identifying the key factors that influence start-up success. Start-up Basics provides you with an overview of the skills and tools you need when deciding to start a business. In this session, you learn about: the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business, the most profitable form for your business, and the fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Date: Dec 1
Registration ends: Nov 30
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Date: Dec 3
Registration ends: Dec 2
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Date: Jan 6
Registration ends: Jan 5
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Date: Jan 12
Registration ends: Jan 11
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Simple Steps Workshop Series;
Next Steps To; Is Starting a Business Right for You?
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Next Steps To; Is Starting a Business Right for You?
Attend this comprehensive four part series of workshops to help you test your new business idea and gets you started on the right path. Free one-to-one counseling is also a part of the workshop process. Join us for 4 three-hour sessions that help you understand the basics of:
- the concepts involved with assessing a business idea,
- marketing your product or service,
- understanding business financials and how they work, and
- how to fund and finance your business.
Session 2: Business Concept
Session 3: Marketing Plan
Session 4: Financial Projections
Session 5: Funding Sources and Next Steps
Attend all four sessions for $150.00.
(Additional people from the same company are an additional $50.00 each. Contact [email protected] for discount code)
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Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop Series #2-5
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Date: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021
Registration ends: Jan 6
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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Simple Steps Workshop Series; Plan for a Successful Exit From Your Business |
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SCORE has partnered with MassMutual and our special guest presenter, Kevin Manley, to equip new business owners with guidance on how to exit their business. By taking into consideration succession planning, retirement planning, and estate planning, business owners can begin to develop a strategy to secure their future and the future of their business. This program focuses on the tactical steps business owners can take now to create a plan for exiting their business smoothly.
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Plan for a Successful Exit from Your Business
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Date: Dec 19
Registration ends: Dec 18
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
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UPCOMING Programs - Subject to Change |
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Cyber Security:
protecting your identity on the internet
Thurs Dec 3
10:00 am - 11:00 am
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NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. |
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James Cotter of the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, will provide attendees with relevant, timely, and actionable resources that can be utilized to help protect their businesses online as soon as the workshop is complete – at little or no cost! Learn to build a culture of security and readiness. |
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Tue Dec 8
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $20
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NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. |
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Starting a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is a major decision that requires significant thought before and after you receive an IRS tax exemption.
As a nonprofit founder or a new board member, you likely already have questions and there will be others you don’t even know to ask about! That is exactly why this Workshop was developed. It is designed to help you find your way during your first 12 months.
During this Workshop, you'll become acquainted with the one of the fastest growing sectors in the U.S. and learn about tangible items that you need to be aware of and implement in your 1st year!
This is a fast-paced training session, so be prepared with your questions and let's make it interactive!
Participants attending this Live Online Workshop will learn:
- Preparing for board meetings
- Board roles and responsibilities
- Risk Management
- How to recruit and retain volunteers
- How to remain compliant
- How to build collaborative partners
- How to position the organization for funding
- Where to find free resources and guidance
Presenter:
Cheryl Smith, MPA is the CEO of Dewlyn Nonprofit Services, a Metro Atlanta based nonprofit consulting firm, where she helps US nonprofit organizations build sustainability through training, coaching, and grant-writing. Cheryl is the author of the book, "21 Ways to Fund a Nonprofit," as well as a member of the American Grant Writers' Association; a nonprofit trainer for SCORE serving the North Metro Atlanta Counties; a guest speaker/trainer for Point University, the Cobb Collaborative, World Changers Church; and, she supports nonprofits reaching out to Georgia's Small Business Development Centers. Originally from Michigan, Cheryl earned her Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and completed her Master's Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. As a champion for the nonprofit community, Cheryl trains hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year, and she has successfully secured millions of dollars in government and private foundation grants for organizations that she has aligned with. Broadly, Cheryl's specialty is building capacity in people and organizations, helping each to reach their highest and best potential.
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Wed Dec 16
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. |
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Presenter: Stephanie Wu Stephanie Wu, a native of Taiwan, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven, CT. Stephanie studied abroad for seven years, got married and worked in NYC in the early 2000s. In 2008, she moved to North Carolina with her family. Stephanie worked as a professional marketing consultant for 23 years and now specializes in all types of government certifications. Stephanie’s husband, Jung, had more than 40 years of federal government contract marketing experience and together they created Oboe Galaxy Management (OGM), which is in operation for 11 years. OGM works with an ENR firm and teams up with small businesses for IDIQ contract. Stephanie has a deep passion for small businesses. As a radio show host for WDRB media, she has cultivated a digital platform to share her expertise on government marketing with small business communities around the world. Her radio program airs every Thursday night at 10 pm EST. Stephanie enjoys offering insights to entrepreneurs in the small-business arena about government programs with the potential to create additional revenue streams for their businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephanie assisted several small-businesses to obtain grants, EIDL loans and PPP and believes the time is ripe for small businesses to adopt government contract marketing since the government has bolstered opportunities. Stephanie registered for SCORE mentor training in 2019 when her husband suddenly passed away and returned to SCORE as a subject-matter expert in 2020. In this capacity, Stephanie hopes to impart her wealth of government knowledge to small businesses to help them secure the coveted golden key to government contracting. |
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A group of local founders, mentors and entrepreneurial resources proudly hosts a monthly “Founder’s Meet-Up”.
First Wednesday of each month
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
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This year, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is blending our two most prestigious events for a unique opportunity to hear from CEOs leading some of our region’s most notable headquartered companies. They'll share their outlook on Covid-19, racial equity, and the election, and the correlating impacts on business, our community and the world.
Individual Ticket $200
Forward Together Ticket $300
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City of Charlotte Launches the Resilient ReUp Program |
The City of Charlotte on Thursday announced the launch of the Resilient ReUp program to provide structured programming and one-on-one coaching to help small business stabilize and overcome current and future business disruptions due to COVID 19.
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Carolina Small Business Development Fund Partners with the City of Charlotte to
Educate and Empower Charlotte Small Businesses
All City of Charlotte small businesses are eligible to receive an actionable recovery plan and business support services if they complete a Business Needs Assessment. Businesses that complete the assessment will receive a $10 reward and gain access to a library of 15 virtual courses. Businesses that complete at least one training will be entered into a lottery to receive a small business resource or tool tailored to their specific needs valued up to $500.
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SBA Alert:
The U. S. Small Business Administration Warns Loan Applicants to Beware of Email Phishing Scams
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COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Stabilization Loan Fund
Mecklenburg County has committed $5 million for this fund, which is for businesses with up to 50 employees. Those companies can apply for loans of $5,000 to $35,000, which can cover expenses like payroll, utilities, rent, and equipment. The loans will be available for up to 10-year terms with an interest rate of 3%. You can find the application here.
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Micro Business Stabilization Fund
Another new program from Mecklenburg County, this fund is for even smaller small businesses, ones with five or fewer employees. The county has set aside $1 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for this program, and each business can apply for loans up to $10,000. Businesses can use these loans for routine expenses, such as payroll, rent, and utilities. The loans have a maturity of three years at 0% interest. You can find the application here.
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NC Covid-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program
The Golden LEAF Foundation has set aside $15 million for a loan program designed for North Carolina businesses that have suffered economic losses because of COVID-19. Businesses can take out loans of up to $50,000 with 0% interest and no payments for six months. If the loan is not repaid within six months, the loan will convert into a term loan. There is no cap on the number of employees applying businesses must have, a foundation spokeswoman says. There’s been significant demand for the program, and state officials are considering adding more money to it.
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North Carolina State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Offerings through 2021
Are you with a small-to-medium sized business (500 or fewer employees) that currently exports or is interested in exporting? Would you like to learn how to access a grant program that reimburses eligible companies up to $48,000, over two years, for a variety of export focused initiatives? If so, be sure to join this informative webinar to learn more.
The STEP Program export assistance funds include:
1. Booth reimbursement up to $5,000
2. Travel reimbursement up to $3,000
3. Export Services reimbursements up to $16,000
During this webinar we will discuss eligibility requirements, qualifying activities, timelines, and approval and reimbursement processes. Additionally, we will discuss the international trade team and help you identify with whom to connect to learn more.
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Additional SBA offerings
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Disaster funds and taxes…… This IRS Notice 2020-32 provides guidance regarding the deductibility for Federal income tax purposes of certain otherwise deductible expenses incurred in a taxpayer’s trade or business when the taxpayer receives a loan (covered loan) pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)). Specifically, this notice clarifies that no deduction is allowed under the Internal Revenue Code (Code) for an expense that is otherwise deductible if the payment of the expense results in forgiveness of a covered loan pursuant to section 1106(b) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, 134 Stat. 281, 286-93 (March 27, 2020) and the income associated with the forgiveness is excluded from gross income for purposes of the Code pursuant to section 1106(i) of the CARES Act. Source: www.irs.gov – IRS Notice 20-32
- The Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC) is now accepting applications for 2021 Recycling Business Development Grant projects. Grants of up to $40,000 (or even $60,000 if a priority project) are available to private business or non-profits to help build capacity and reduce the flow of solid waste to disposal facilities and encourage the sustainable recovery of materials from North Carolina’s waste stream. To achieve that purpose, RBAC seeks viable, well-planned and effective proposals from recycling businesses in North Carolina wanting to start or expand recovery efforts.
- Hosted by the North Carolina District Office - Webinars for Small Business Federal Certification - Second Tuesdays of the Month; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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Learn about the SBA’s contracting assistance programs and gain a competitive edge from the federal certifications you may be eligible for. PDF attached.
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December 8, 2020 – 8(a) Business Development Program
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January 12, 2021 – HUBZone Program
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February 9, 2021 – Various Small Business Certification Programs
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March 9, 2021 – 8(a) Business Development Program
Export Express Training Offered in December
Join SBA International Trade Specialist Dan Holt on Tuesday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST as he reviews updates to SBA’s three International Loan Programs.
At this webinar, we will discuss the 15 major changes in SOP 50 10 6, released on 10/1/2020, to the Export Working Capital Program, the Export Express Program, and the International Trade Loan Program. The new SOP 50 10 6 has a new format and easier search capabilities.
This event is hosted by the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) in coordination with the SBA NC District Office & SC District Office.
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UPCOMING NATIONAL WEBINARS |
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December 3 | 2 PM ET
In this inspirational webinar, gain valuable insights into understanding and protecting your business’ impact overtime.
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December 8 |1 PM ET
If you're still using last quarter's marketing plan, you may be missing opportunities to reach your current customer base.
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December 10 | 1 PM ET
Most business owners don’t know how much they pay in credit card processing fees per month, which ultimately results in losing money you don't even realize.
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December 15 | 1 PM ET
Learn best practices to market, advertise and increase the consumer base and sales of your small business using social media.
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December 29 | 1 PM ET
In Partnership with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This webinar will provide detailed steps on how to prepare NOW so that your business is resilient when the next disaster strikes.
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What you Might Have Missed
Browse Our Webinars
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Did you miss a live SCORE webinar? |
You can view the recordings online anytime. Watch and learn at your convenience. |
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Find Your Business Mentor |
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Talk to a SCORE mentor for expert answers to any of your business questions - no question is too big or too small. |
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Small Business Resource Centers |
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Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side. Don't miss out on the latest resources, training and mentoring opportunities to help you survive and thrive.
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Book a Librarian - Business Research (Virtual) |
Book a 1-hour time slot for a 1-on-1 video call with a librarian!
Learn how you can access the library's online business resources including directories, databases with demographics, mapping tools, market and industry reports, and more.
Registration Note: A valid email address is required in order to receive instructions before the meeting.
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These are available Monday - Friday, 11:00am-noon.
Questions or assistance:
Mimi Curlee, Librarian
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Information Services - Main Library
704-416-0106
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Tool for Small Businesses to Connect with
CDFIs, Small Asset Lenders Participating in PPP
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Lender Match is a free tool that takes the mystery out of getting an SBA-backed loan and streamlines the process.
Finding the right lender and finding the time to obtain a loan can be the biggest challenge for prospective borrowers. Lender Match solves this problem.
This free online referral tool connects small business borrowers with participating SBA lenders.
The future is upon us, and the SBA is proud to be leading the way. To learn more about Lender Match visit www.sba.gov
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SCORE Charlotte Local Sponsors and Partners |
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Helping entrepreneurs find the best franchise opportunities. At FranNet Carolina, they partner with aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals interested in becoming business owners.
Through their free consulting services, their consultants will provide the valuable research and guidance necessary to feel truly confident in your decision.
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Your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library understands that the key to successful business management and healthy growth is convenient and swift access to the best resources. They provide reference services and library resources to help the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area businesses succeed.
Their Mission: To improve lives and build a stronger community.
Mimi Curlee, Librarian
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library - Main
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Find and Reach Your Ideal Audience
The advertising solutions you need to engage the right customers and grow your business.
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SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for more than 50 years.
Because our work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and thanks to our network of 10,000+ volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at a very low cost.
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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. |
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