ECI-SCORE is made up of experienced business owners and managers who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners and potential business owners achieve success through workshops and free confidential counseling.  For workshops see below.  For information on confidential counseling click on "counseling" at the left side of this page.

We serve Champaign, Douglas, and Vermilion counties.

Workshops
All workshops take place in the Chamber of Commerce Office at 1817 South Neil, Champaign.

STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS

This workshop covers business structure, start-up checklist, capital needs, creative marketing, competition, competetive analysis, and many tips to get you started.

Workshop schedule for "Starting a Small Business"

August 19, 2010              Thursday   3:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
September 16, 2010        Thursday   3:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
October 9, 2010               Saturday   9:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
November 11, 2010         Thursday   3:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.


Click on "workshops" at left side of this page for registration form or call 359-1791.

WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN

Whether you may need financing or not writing a business plan will help you organize your ideas and cause you to investigate the many variables in starting or improving a business.  We take you step by step through the business plan process from mission statement to financials.

Workshop schedule for "Writing a Business Plan"

August 26, 2010              Thursday     3:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
September 23, 2010        Thursday     3:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
October 16, 2010             Saturday     9:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
November 18, 2010         Thursday     3:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.

Click on "workshops" at left side of this page for registration form or call 359-1791.

HOW TO FINANCE A SMALL BUSINESS

The purpose of this workshop is to provide a basic understanding of start up financing for a business including requirements, preparations needed, and sources of capital.  Participants receive a workshop handbook and other information.

Workshop schedule for "How to Finance a Small Business"

September 25, 2010     Saturday     9:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
November 20, 2010      Saturday     9:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
Click on "workshops" at left side of this page for registration form or call 359-1791.