BizSuccess Tips
January 2021
Upcoming Business Growth Workshops

Wednesday January 27 from 12:00pm - 2:00 pm
Utilizing the FTC’s guidance for SMBs, this workshop will teach the basics of cybersecurity and how to apply those concepts to protect your business.

The SBA and FTC partnered together to produce cyber guidance designed for small businesses. Our business-leader focused presentation will dive into these topics explaining how to leverage this practical and pragmatic guidance to help protect businesses from cyber-attacks. • What does the SBA say are the most likely cyber attacks and how do you protect your business from these? • Why businesses should focus on the cyber basics such as encryption, user management, and backups? • If you have partners that touch your data or systems - such as hosted email, outsource HR, or managed IT - how do you best protect yourself? • What are the best ways to protect your email system? • Discuss the broad range of cyber protections including insurance, physical security, and user education.

Preregistration is required. NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Presenter: Terry Ziemniak, North Wonders Cybersecurity

Terry has over 25 years' experience in the information security field with work ranging from hands on security penetration testing to the build out of complex, state of the art cyber protections. Additionally he has spent over a decade in the role of Chief Information Security Officer for very large organizations (including Atrium Health). Terry brings that technical experience and business acumen into the consulting space – helping business leaders navigate the risks and rewards of cybersecurity.

This event has been rescheduled from the 18th
Thursday Feb 25 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Are you grabbing people’s attention in the first 60 seconds when introducing yourself?
  • Are you powerfully and clearly communicating your unique message?
  • Do you find yourself stopped when asked “what do you do?”

As an entrepreneur or professional, you’re always selling yourself or your product. In those first few seconds people decide whether or not they want to learn more about your service and even if they want to do business with you….so you want to make that first impression count! If you want people to sit up and listen, it starts with creating a compelling Elevator Speech that grabs their attention in the first 30-60 seconds. Your Elevator Speech is both an opportunity to promote your services and a way to separate yourself from the competition. It’s what makes people want to know more about you.

In this fast-paced session, Rochelle Togo-Figa, the Speaking & Sales Breakthrough Strategist, will share the steps to creating a compelling and powerful Elevator Message that will quickly have people saying “Yes, give me your business card. Let’s sit down and talk!”

At the end of the session, you’ll learn…
  • How to grab people’s attention in the first 30-60 seconds
  • What motivates people to take action
  • The elements of creating a compelling message that will easily attract more clients
  • How to create your own unique message
  • How to deliver your elevator speech with confidence

Preregistration is required. NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Presenter: Rochelle Togo-Figa, Sales Breakthroughs

·     Rochelle Togo-Figa is a Sales & Speaking Coach and Trainer with 20 years+ experience. Her area of expertise is teaching people a step-by-step sales process to close sales and how to present to win business. Rochelle works with business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, authors and professionals who are eager to attract more clients through learning exactly what to say to get the business and how to powerfully communicate their message. She teaches them sales & speaking strategies that propel their businesses to the next level. 
 
After surviving breast cancer, Rochelle turned her journey of recovery into a positive life-altering experience that transformed her life forever. Rochelle then left the corporate world to pursue her dreams of helping entrepreneurs follow their dreams and goals. She took the lessons she learned that turned her life around and together with her 20+ years corporate experience, created a thriving coaching and training business. She combines her life-altering experience with her speaking & selling expertise showing people how they can create a powerful message and present it to win more clients. 
 
Rochelle leads workshops on speaking to hundreds and hundreds of people. She is the creator and workshop leader of Present to Win Business Series, a series of workshops teaching speaking & sales skills and techniques to bring in more clients. She is also the creator of the Speak & Listen to Attract More Clients Workshop, a half-day workshop teaching powerful speaking & sales strategies.
 
She is the co-author of the Amazon Top 100 best-selling eWomen book Succeeding in Spite of Everything.
 
She has coached and trained for a variety of Fortune 500 companies including American Express, Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, Met Life, Philip Morris, General Electric, Estee Lauder and more.
 
She has been featured in Business Coaching articles that have appeared in the New York Times, The Westchester Journal News, and Business Woman Magazine. Rochelle has also been the featured speaker for the Office Depot Speaker Series, Execunet Speaker Series, V2K Décor Webinar Series, Grace McNamara Design Webinar Series, and interviewed on national radio.
 
To learn more about Rochelle and her coaching, please visit her website at SalesBreakthroughs.com or contact her at [email protected].

Don't Miss this Official Grow With Google Event


Tuesday Feb 23 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Times are challenging. We want to help. Now more than ever, businesses and nonprofits need to know how to reach and engage with customers online - to continue to generate leads, make sales, and grow revenue. Led by Grow With Google Speaker and Trainer Demming Bass, this is a “can’t miss” webinar customized for local businesses and nonprofits including additional ideas and strategies on how to market online during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

As a bonus, ALL ATTENDEES will receive up to $150 in Google Matching Ad Credit (first-time users only) to immediately market their business with the lessons they learn and apply.

In this webinar, you will learn how to: - Create a free Google My Business profile and how to engage with customers - Improve your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results, on all devices - Implement simple, but effective, best practices for content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing - especially during the COVID-19 crisis - Advertise your business through Google via Smart Campaigns (and the perfect ad formula)

Attendees will walk away with free tools, a proven plan, and messaging strategies they can implement in their marketing immediately - no matter their level of marketing "know-how" or expertise.
Trainer: Demming Bass

Demming Bass has been an official Grow with Google speaker since 2017. After an award-winning career as a chamber of commerce executive in NC and GA, he led Constant Contact’s marketing efforts across six states in the Southeast. To date, he’s trained over 25,000 small businesses, nonprofits and chambers on how to be better marketers. In addition to his role with Google, Demming is also a StoryBrand Certified Guide where he works with clients around the world to improve and clarify their brand messaging strategy.
Upcoming Local Workshops and Information
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!
Simple Steps Workshop Series;
Is Starting a Business Right for You?

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.
Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Date: Jan 23
Registration ends: Jan 22
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop #1
Time: 12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Date: Jan 26
Registration ends: Jan 25
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
Simple Steps Workshop Series;
Next Steps To; Is Starting a Business Right for You?

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)

Virtual Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop Series #2-5
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Date: March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021
Registration ends: March 1
This will be conducted as a Zoom meeting.
The Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
UPCOMING Programs - Subject to Change
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Join this Live Online Workshop to receive training on how to use the Six Main Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn! Gain crucial insight on and learn how to best utilize social media to effectively market and raise awareness for your brand, business, or cause and reach thousands of potential clients and customers — or simply grow your career skill set. What you’ll learn: After taking this course you'll know how to use, setup, and post to the six top social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube! Who this course is for: You should take this course if you are looking to become more knowledgeable about social media, grow in your career skill set, promote a cause, or to grow awareness for your business.

Tue Jan 19
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Fee $15 for 2 parts
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Understanding Your Business Using Excel
  • Analyze your Accounting data
  • Forecast P&L and Cash Flow
  • Predict business impacts
Microsoft Excel can be a powerful tool to help you understand your business better and make data driven decisions. This workshop will show you how directly reuse your accounting system data and add your knowledge to predict the future of your business. Very basic familiarity with Excel is a prerequisite, but all techniques and calculations will be fully explained.
We will show you how to export your data from your accounting system to use in Excel. You will be able to forecast Profit & Loss and a basic cash flow.
Part 1 Jan 19th – Getting accounting data and making corrections to prepare the model Part 2 Jan 26th– Create the forecast and analyze the result Workshop

Presenter: John Manry, over 40 years as a senior leader in commercial software development. Experience in finance/accounting, HR, and payroll. Used Excel extensively to help clients and manage the business.
Navigating the PPP Loan Forgiveness Process

Thurs Jan 21
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For small business owners experiencing confusion with the PPP loan forgiveness process, this webinar with small business consultant and SCORE Mentor Josette A. Hill will bring clarity and peace of mind. Topics will include deadlines, eligible expenses, independent contractors, application forms, covered period, calculating payroll cost, and much more. Join us and have your questions answered and your mind put at ease!

Thurs Jan 21
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: $20
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
How to Price for Profit and Growth * Smarter Pricing Guidelines for Small Businesses Fee: $20 Are you one of the 75% of small business owners that: do not have a quick and effective pricing model and/or consistently under-price your work? If so, this Live Online Workshop is for YOU! You will be put on the path to a better understanding of: The difference between mark-ups and your actual profit margins How to calculate and utilize your Cost of Goods Sold in pricing How drive time impacts service delivery businesses while fixed costs impact production oriented businesses Using fixed or variable costs to price for profit This Workshop will engage the business owner to analyze costs to better format various pricing models: Cost Plus Pricing Competition-based Pricing Good / Better/ Best models Margin-based Pricing When to utilize Premium vs. Discount strategies How to calculate a Break-even sales goal

Thurs Jan 21
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Cost: $15
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Creating Facebook Ads Since its inception, Facebook has become one of the most powerful advertising platforms for businesses in B2B and B2C, helping marketers obtain more organic impressions on their ads. A successful Facebook ad includes the right audience, eye-catching images or videos, and compelling text. In this presentation, we'll cover the essentials you need to know for creating Facebook ads that convert. Workshop Presenter: Ken Countess is an award-winning marketers, trainer, and presenter as well as an internationally accredited expert in Email and Social Media marketing.
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This LIVE Stream is part 3 of 4 in the Marketing and Technology Series. All presentations in this series are FREE and once registering, you will receive the Zoom link information for all four LIVE Streams. This free LIVE Stream presentation will introduce you to the various ways you can develop an effective and meaningful prospective customer profile for either your existing or conceptual business. This process involves understanding WHO your customers are and WHY they should be attracted to your business. You will learn how to create social media avatars to your customer personae. Included is how you can create an ongoing and affordable customer research program that will allow you to effectively grow your business.

Tue Jan 26
10:00 pm - 12:00 pm

Cost: $20
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Starting and growing a nonprofit business can be a wonderful way to give back to your community and help those in need; however, it does not start with just an idea. There are specific actions that must be taken to launch your nonprofit.

This Live Online Workshop provides an overview of what is needed to form a nonprofit and specifically provides information for planning, structuring, managing, and financially sustaining a nonprofit organization.

Participants will learn how to:

   Legally structure a nonprofit
   Develop a board and remain compliant
   Develop a nonprofit budget
   Research and source grants
   Market their nonprofit

Tue Jan 26
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Cost: $20
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Get started the right way with QuickBooks Online for your business.
Learn QuickBooks so that you are properly recording all business transactions. Understand why QuickBooks Online is the number one choice for small business accounting.
What You Will Learn In this SCORE workshop, you will learn how to use QuickBooks Online to record your daily business transactions. (No QuickBooks signup required!)
Subjects covered include:
  • Customer sales and payments
  • Supplier purchases and payments
  • Banking and Chart of Accounts Reporting from QuickBooks Online
  • Best practices and common mistakes

Please note that this workshop is for training on QuickBooks Online and not QuickBooks Desktop.

Presenter: Rachel Barnett, an Accountant, and the owner of Gentle Frog, LLC. She has been using QuickBooks regularly since 1995 and has been Quickbooks certified since 2012. Rachel is a pre-eminent Quickbooks certified instructor. Her passion is helping small business owners with their bookkeeping needs.
Analice sus Fortalezas, Debilidades, Opportunidades y Amenazas y Actúe sobre los Resultados

Thurs Jan 28
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Recuerda la última vez que usted documentó sus fortalezas y debilidades, y analizó sus oportunidades y amenazas? Después de Covid-19 muchas de esas premisas han cambiado. Este es el momento de hacer su análisis nuevamente. Equipados con ese conocimiento y trabajando en equipo es como se logra una buena tormenta de ideas. Usted va a comprobar sus premisas, cuestionará sus propias ideas, y podrá considerar cuándo y cómo hacer un giro en su negocio y trabajar en el desarrollo del mejor camino a seguir.
NOTE: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This LIVE Stream is part 4 of 4 in the Marketing and Technology Series. All presentations in this series are FREE and once registering, you will receive the Zoom link information for all four LIVE Streams.

Having identified your value proposition and USP and defined your target customers, this free webinar goes beyond organic (SEO) and social media traffic when it takes you into the Channels box of the Business Model Canvas and help you design an outbound marketing strategy. It defines all the Digital Marketing Channels available to you, including direct, referral, email and paid. You will learn how you can build your engine of growth effectively using all these digital channels.
Catawba Chamber
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 
Power of Women Virtual Luncheon
Work-Life Balance 2.0: Moving Forward

Wednesday, January 20, 2021
11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Happy New Year! It's 2021 - a time to re-set, re-focus and drive towards new goals, resolutions and objectives. Managing our productivity and overall well-being create opportunities for greater success as we navigate 2021.
Join us as we start the new year at this virtual luncheon to discuss and provide tactics on time management and work-life balance while working remotely (and in-person) while managing the challenges and the recovery of COVID-19 and how we move forward. 
SPEAKERS TO BE ANNOUNCED
Coronavirus Support
PPP expansion
The legislation authorized a new round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding. Approximately $285 billion has been set aside for additional lending, including the ability for eligible businesses to request a second round of funding through the program.
Second PPP loans will be available to businesses who have used the full amount of their first PPP loan, have fewer than 300 employees and who can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts in any quarter in 2020 when compared against certain past quarterly results. The legislation caps second loans at $2 million.
U.S. Bank plans to offer both first and second PPP loans under the new rules. As we receive guidance from the SBA regarding the eligibility requirements and the application process, we will provide updates via email and on usbank.com/ppp
Additional relief for small businesses
 
In addition to PPP, the legislation provides $20 billion to restart and extend the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance Grants, funds for eligible theaters, museums and zoos, and additional debt relief for eligible small business loans guaranteed by the SBA under 7(a), 504 and Microloan programs. Improvements to those SBA loan programs, such as waived fees, are also part of the legislation.
U.S. Bank is working around the clock to update its SBA lending programs to reflect the additional relief.
 
Where can I go for more information?
 
We will update usbank.com/ppp with more information, including application instructions and eligibility guidelines, as it becomes available. At the time we begin accepting new applications, businesses will have until March 31, 2021 to apply or until funds run out, whichever comes first. In the meantime, please contact an accountant or legal counsel for information about your specific situation.
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.
Business owners with questions about this program or the application can contact Vanessa Mathews at [email protected] or 833-238-4763.

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.
 
The program will be administered by CSBDF. For more information about the program, visit https://carolinasmallbusiness.org/initiatives/city-of-charlotte-covid-19-program/.
SBA Alert:
The U. S. Small Business Administration Warns Loan Applicants to Beware of Email Phishing Scams
Secretary of State
Elaine F. Marshall
Please be aware that business are receiving misleading or fraudulent business practices. See their website about these scams.
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.
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.
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.
SBA Resources
Business Tax Seminars & Workshop: Spanish Seminars
Thursday Feb 4, 201
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Relaunch!

SBA, in consultation with the Treasury Department, has recently released additional PPP guidance:   
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
  • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
  • Has no more than 300 employees; and
  • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
EIDL - Economic Injury Disaster Loan!

This week, SBA announced that the deadline to apply for a COVID-19 pandemic Economic Injury Disaster Loan has been extended to December 31, 2021.
To date, SBA has approved $197 billion in low-interest loans, which provide U.S. small businesses, non-profits, and agricultural businesses working capital funds. Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds.
Loans are offered at affordable terms, including a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. All eligible small businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply.
Additional SBA offerings
  •  Check out the PPP forgiveness factsheet
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Learn about the SBA’s contracting assistance programs and gain a competitive edge from the federal certifications you may be eligible for.  PDF attached 
  • February 9, 2021 – Various Small Business Certification Programs  
  • March 9, 2021 – 8(a) Business Development Program
A free learning platform for women entrepreneurs
SBA has announced Ascent, an interactive digital platform packed with resources women business owners need to set, and achieve, their business goals. Ascent is designed for the “missing middle” — growth-oriented women entrepreneurs who are beyond the start-up phase and already generating revenue yet looking to grow and scale. Most learning resources for business owners focus on either start-ups or mature businesses. Ascent is here to change that!
UPCOMING NATIONAL WEBINARS
January 19 | 1 PM ET
Brought to you by Nav. Learn about the main sources of grants, tools for researching, application tips to increase your chances of being successful and much more.
January 28 | 2 PM ET
Sponsored by Cybercrime Support Network (CSN). This conversational webinar will discuss issues regarding cybersecurity, privacy, data governance, and digital ethics.
What you Might Have Missed
Browse Our Webinars
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
Get Business Advice
Talk to a SCORE mentor for expert answers to any of your business questions - no question is too big or too small.
Small Business Resource Centers
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.

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.
These are available Monday - Friday, 11:00am-noon.

Questions or assistance:
Mimi Curlee, Librarian
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library 
Information Services - Main Library
704-416-0106
SBA Lender Match Program
Tool for Small Businesses to Connect with
CDFIs, Small Asset Lenders Participating in PPP
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
SCORE Charlotte Local Sponsors and Partners
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.
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
Find and Reach Your Ideal Audience
The advertising solutions you need to engage the right customers and grow your business.

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.
 
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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