10. What do I have to do to get a loan from a bank?
Initially, the lender will want to know: How will you use the loan? How much do you need to borrow? How will you repay the loan? When you apply for the loan, you must provide projected financial statements and a cohesive, clear business plan. Additionally, you will need to provide a clear description of your experience and management capabilities, as well as personal financial statements for yourself and all other owners of the business.
11. How can I do business on the Web?
You can set up your own website, if you are adept at using a computer and are familiar with how the Internet works. Most of the major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and software companies have basic “build-your-own website” tools. If you want an interactive website, you may want to hire a professional website designer. Also consider obtaining your own domain name (the address of your website). The key to a successful website is focused, timely content. In addition to a website, you should explore what it takes to expose your business on the Internet via the various social networks (e.g. Facebook and MySpace) which are the latest online marketing craze. In these online communities, persistent, quality “interaction” is vital which requires significant quality time to sustain. Additional insights and guidance on web topics is available at the SCORE Ask An Expert blog website.
12. How can I support SCORE?
You may want to become a SCORE volunteer or, perhaps become a sponsor for a local SCORE chapter. SCORE is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization so your donations and in kind contributions are tax deductible. Click on link below to send an email message to the Shenandoah Valley SCORE office which expresses the nature and scope of your support of the SCORE mission and values.