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FREE BUSINESS COUNSELING
is available through the following organizations:
1) Franklin County CDC Plan Now! Counseling Services
Plan Now! Participant
One hour of free individual counseling is available for those interested in starting or growing a business. Individual session by appointment after attending an Explore Going into Business and Resources Workshop. Receive basic business planning instruction including marketing, financial planning and business plan critique.
— Submit the application form
— Attend the next free information session Sign up here
(usually the first Wednesday of the month)
— Call for an appointment 413-774-7204 ext 107
2) Hilltown CDC, Chesterfield, MA
Individual Business Counseling
3) Valley CDC, Northampton MA
One on One Business Counseling
4) Quaboag Valley CDC, Ware MA
Business Technical Assistance
5) MA Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC)
To make an appointment with a counselor, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 413-773-5463 and ask for the next available appointment or
Contact the Western MA Regional Office at 413-737-6712, sign up online or visit their website at www.msbdc.org/wmass
6) Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE)
To make an appointment with a SCORE business counselor, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce 413-773-5463 and ask for the next available appointment or visit www.score.org/index.html
FEE-BASED COUNSELING
Franklin County CDC Plan Now! Counseling Services
Plan Now! Client
Fee-based counseling will guide you through developing a mission statement, goals and objectives, marketing plan, operations plan, and budget projection. This is structured for people who prefer individual counseling. Cost: $150 for 10 hours for the first 3 months, then $25 per hour. Individual sessions by appointment.
Other Fee-based Counseling Services
are available from business consultants, accountants, lawyers, CPAs. To locate an industry expert that best fits your need:
- Ask several people you respect for a referral – obtain at least 2-3 choices
- Set up informational interviews to determine compatibility and if expertise fits your need
- Once you have selected the industry expert:
— Make a plan for the project
— Determine what you can do to prepare for your meetings (being prepared will lower your cost)
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Agree to a fee for service and time needed to complete the work.
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