One-On-One Counseling

One-On-One Counseling

One-on-One counseling is available free of charge to persons running a business.

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Start a Business

Start a Business

Starting a business is not easy. You need SCORE volunteers to help provide knowledge.

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Improve a Business

Improve a Business

SCORE offers a unique opportunity for current small business owners to develop plans, strategies and tactics to improve their business

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Information on starting a business

Starting a business is tough, SCORE is here to help guide you.

How to protect your property

Posted by Boardroom on Mar 23, 2015

Published in The Tennessean March 23, 2015 By Ed Rappuhn – SCORE Nashville “I’ve been told to protect my intellectual property. What should I protect and how should I go about it?” Intellectual property includes original works, names and logos, and unique products and processes and is protected by copyrights, trademarks and patents. Here are the basics. Copyrights are the simplest of the three. A copyright protects original works of authorship. It prevents others from copying what you write, draw, photograph, etc. without your permission. You own the copyright in a work...

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Don’t mix business with politics, religion

Posted by Boardroom on Mar 9, 2015

Published in The Tennessean March 9, 2015 By Ed Rappuhn – SCORE Nashville “I’ve been told to avoid politics and religion in my business discussions. I own the business and have strong views, why can’t I share them?” You most certainly can promote your beliefs, but at what cost? Society has become increasingly more diverse religiously and divisive politically. Is it worth alienating a good portion of the marketplace by spouting far right or far left opinions? Is it worth a discrimination lawsuit for failing to serve a member of the community...

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Franchise ownership carries risks and rewards

Posted by Boardroom on Feb 23, 2015

Published in The Tennessean February 23, 2015 By Ed Rappuhn – SCORE Nashville “I want to start a business and am considering a franchise instead of an independent start-up. Is this a good idea?” Maybe. Let’s look at the plusses and minuses of opening a franchise. On the plus side, a franchise has a brand that has proven successful and can be cloned in new markets. Usually there are marketing campaigns built for the brand that you can use locally, or in some cases are already being used nationally. A franchise has...

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News Section

Learn more about what it takes to manage a small business.

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Upcoming Workshops

SCORE Workshops are held at 2 International Plaza, Nashville, TN

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Testimonials

This is what they say about us.

PROFILE

Bryan Hall

TDB Trading Enterprises, LLC.

I had been in business for almost 12 years when I saw an ad for SCORE and decided to contact them concerning a need I had for a line of credit.  What I found in my counselor, Tom Kelley, was a diamond in the ruff!  As a seasoned business executive, he understood my business from a standpoint that helped me to run day to day operations in a much more efficient manner.   From developing spreadsheets to calculate cash flow to assisting me in obtaining the financing I needed, Tom was so much more than I anticipated. He went way above my expectations in every possible situation and was hands on the whole time. It is a great feeling to have someone by your side when you are making tough decisions. Someone who will help make sure you make the right decisions that are best for you and your company.  Tom has become a trusted advisor and friend.  If you are starting a new business or need help with one that has been around for years, call SCORE and you will forever be glad you did.

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Dr. Missy Eisenhauer

Physical Therapy Specialists of Tennessee

I began working with SCORE at the beginning when I only had a business concept.   I was assigned to a counselor who helped guide me to several great seminars offered through SCORE.

After I set up my LLC, I continued to meet with my counselor for guidance as questions arose. Sometimes, my questions were very specific, so my counselor arranged for me to meet with other SCORE volunteers that had specialized backgrounds in those areas.  I was able to get help in areas such as marketing, sales and cold calling, as well as, financial strategies.

I can’t thank my SCORE counselors enough for all of the help and guidance they’ve given me throughout the growth of my business. I feel that SCORE helped me to develop a strong foundation that has led to my success. I look forward to someday volunteering for SCORE so that I can help others succeed.

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Sean Clem

Gradspring

Gradspring would not exist today without the help of SCORE. I began writing the business plan for Gradspring while working for another company in another state. I knew that I wanted to move back home to Nashville to start the business and knew that I would need help in two areas once I got here; completing the business plan and funding to get Gradspring off the ground.  At SCORE, I found both.

My SCORE counselor, Ed Rappuhn, went above and beyond the call of duty to help me achieve my goals. It’s directly because of Ed and SCORE that Gradspring is a going concern that’s been in business for almost two years. I would encourage any young entrepreneur to seek out SCORE and to take full advantage of the range of services that they offer to assist small business.