SCORE Card

By Ted Albenesius

Entrepreneurs are independent by nature. Business owners take the risk of entrepreneurship because they have bright ideas and the skill and determination to get the job done.

Often, entrepreneurial beginnings can be traced to starting out alone. But there is no need to go it alone.

Resources are available to help entrepreneurs succeed. It is admirable to go it alone, but it may make sense to call upon others for some help if it means greater success for your business.

Kristian French took advantage of the help offered by the Service Corps of Retired Executives. She first called on SCORE in May 2004 and met counselor Steve Simmons; she needed help expanding her new business, The Good Dog Bakery. Specifically, she asked her counselor for help in marketing, finance and in completing her business plan.

She started her business as a home-based venture in February 2003 offering homemade gourmet dog treats. She began in a rented space at the Charleston Farmers Market downtown at Marion Square and later at the Mount Pleasant Tuesday market on Coleman Boulevard.

All her dog treats are natural foods and are baked fresh in her kitchen. French says, “Dogs deserve the best too.”

French recently met Tamlyn Willard, who owned and operated her own small business, Sublime Pies and Cakes West of the Ashley. Willard owned and operated a catering business in Jupiter, Fla., for six years before moving to Charleston.

Both French and Willard were looking for a store in a well-traveled area to bake and sell their offerings. They found a suitable location at 829A Savannah Highway, which they leased, redecorated and installed ovens, freezers, refrigerators and other equipment. Their grand opening took place Nov. 12.

While they share the kitchen, storefront and display area, their arrangement is not a partnership. French and Willard equally share the monthly rent, but other operating expenses incurred in the operation of their respective businesses are paid by each of the owners.

This is one example of how SCORE can assist business owners. SCORE volunteers provide expertise in areas such as accounting, finance, human resources, law and marketing. Their expertise is donated to help bring more resources to your business without adding expenses.

In addition to counseling, SCORE offers low-cost workshops and seminars on a variety of business topics ranging from how to start a business to developing a succession plan.

If you are thinking about starting your own new business or if you have recently started a small business, visit the local SCORE office at 2750 Speissegger Drive in North Charleston. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays or visit the Web site at www.score285.org.

If you would you like to become a SCORE counselor, call 805-3068.

Ted Albenesius is a retired Charleston businessman and past chairman of the local SCORE chapter.

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