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Let your ideas take flight to build business success
By Ted Albenesius
SCORE Card
Have you decided to open your own business? If this is your dream, start planning to make it a reality. Research, planning, hard work and innovation can build business success.
As you get started, seek out advice. You are the one making the decisions, but be sure those are informed decisions.
There are many details that comprise business operations. Do you know how you business should be organized? The answer can be sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation.
Do you know about the licenses, permits, inspections and taxes you face? The answer had better be “yes.” As an entrepreneur, managing the details is very important to the success of your business.
If all the answers don’t spring to mind, there is help available. Service Corps of Retired Executives is one source of such expert advice.
SCORE is a nonprofit association that seeks to aid the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.
Gena Januseski is one of the many entrepreneurs who have sought out the help of Charleston’s local SCORE chapter. Januseski is the founder and CEO of Love Inc., a nonprofit she owns with Laureen Deibert.
The mission of Love Inc. is to provide free care and attention to senior citizens throughout the Lowcountry of South Carolina through activities aimed at mental stimulation, along with priority attention for those who are in greatest need.
The Post and Courier has publicized the help Love Inc. has given qualified senior citizens throughout the Lowcountry through a series of articles and photographs provided by the nonprofit. The paper has gone into depth about the free services provided by the organization.
But before Love Inc. could receive the glowing praise it has earned, it needed a little help from SCORE. Local SCORE counselor Ram Dachepalli was asked by Januseski and Deibert in May 2005 to help in the formation and chartering of the nonprofit corporation. SCORE responded and Dachepalli met with the founders on six different occasions from May 2005 to present.
When asked how specifically Dachepalli helped, Januseski listed a number of ways in which he helped and guided the company’s formation.
“He guided us through budgeting procedures and record keeping. He also suggested both partners attend one of the regular SCORE seminars on how to start and operate a small business, which we did,” said Januseski. “Mainly in the early stages of our planning he kept us focused on our ultimate goal. He also was most generous with his time and advice at every encounter. Actually he gave us peace of mind during the early stages of organizing our company.”
Both partners are employed elsewhere. Januseski is a certified massage therapist while Deibert is a professional photographer specializing in weddings and special events.
They are both dedicated to Love Inc. and its mission. After nine months of operation there are approximately 30 volunteers assisting Januseski and Deibert in their programs for senior citizens. While most of their activities take place at the Savannah House, Love Inc. also assists seniors at Ashley Park Retirement Home in West Ashley.
As with most nonprofits, Love Inc. is always eager for new volunteers, and it is currently accepting donated items for an upcoming silent auction. Any help or items would be greatly appreciated by the organization. Love Inc. can be contacted at www.loveincproject.com or (843) 224-6954.
SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the local chapter is affiliated with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. It offers assistance in many areas of small-business creation and growth.
If your organization is seeking help in business planning, marketing or development, contact the local SCORE chapter at (843) 727-4778 or through e-mail at info@score285.org.
Ted Albenesius is a retired Charleston businessman and past chairman of the local SCORE chapter. The Charleston SCORE chapter can be contacted at (843) 727-4778 or www.score285.org.
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