A free webinar from SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties in May provides helpful advice to small business owners.

What it Takes to Start and Run a Successful Non-profit

On Wednesday, May 5, learn “What it takes to start and run a successful non-profit.

The webinar, 10 to 11a.m.., is hosted by Mike DiLeo, SCORE Mentor and presenter. 

This webinar answers:

• What are the key steps to start a non-profit?
• What day-to-day tactics to maintain a successful non-profit?
• What are strategies over time to ensure continued success?

Several local non-profits support organizations are highlighted, with real examples of community resources available. They also show the opportunities and challenges of running a nonprofit.

About the Presenter:

Join Mike DiLeo, SCORE Mentor, and presenter, as he leads this interactive discussion for individuals considering a non-profit business model. 

Mike worked for the DuPont Company in the field of business financial management with over 25 years as CFO of international joint ventures.

He spent 15 years on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, serving on the financial committee. He was Chairman of the Board during a successful chief executive transition. Mike has also worked with several other non-profits. He will share the lessons learned from those that were successful and others that failed.

Mike attended Temple University and Drexel graduate school.

Click here to register. 

Customers and Competitors: Getting the Inside Data 

On Monday May 10, learn about “Customers and Competitors: Getting the Inside Data.”

The webinar, 10 to 11 a.m.., is hosted by Sam Bardarik, a SCORE volunteer and the Business and Career Librarian at Chester County Library.

Are you an aspiring or current small business owner wondering how to get the
data needed to drive your business decisions toward success?

Join this in-depth walkthrough of the ReferenceUSA database, available through
the Chester County Library.

It provides data needed to answer business questions, using easy-to-read, custom visualizations :

• Where should I locate my business?
• Who are my competitors?
• Who are my potential customers?
• What are my best advertising strategies?

This workshop will summarize other business resources
available for free through the Chester County Library.

About the Presenter:

Sam Bardarik is a SCORE volunteer. She is the Business and Career Librarian at Chester County Library.

Bardarik connects community members to the best databases, guides, books, community organizations, websites, and other resources available for starting or growing a business, navigating the job search, and building career skills.

Click here to register. 

The Key Elements of a Successful Website

On Thursday, May 13, learn “The Key Elements of a Successful Website.

The webinar, 12 to 1 p.m.., is hosted by Cary Baskin, a SCORE workshop presenter. He is Managing Partner of the Marketing Department in Malvern.

There are lots of things to consider when developing a website for your business. 

This webinar highlights:

• Design
• Programming or page builder
• Copy
• User experience
• Domain name
• Hosting
• How the website interacts with the search engine

About the Presenter:

Cary Baskin is Managing Partner of the Marketing Department in Malvern. The Marketing Department is a website, SEO, and digital marketing agency.

His career spans more than 40 years working for companies like Honeywell, M&M, Mars. He’s also worked for local technology companies like Kulicke & Soffa and Checkpoint Systems.

Cary developed and launched many products. He has marketed local businesses and global market development in North America, Europe, SE Asia, and Japan.

Cary has an MBA from Pace University, a Masters in Bioengineering from Polytechnic of New York, and a BSEE from Pratt Institute.

Click here to register. 

Understanding Cash Flow-A Business Survival Guide

On Wednesday May 19, learn about “Understanding Cash Flow–A Business Survival Guide.”

The webinar, 10 to 11a.m.., is hosted by Tom Faughnan. Faughnan is a SCORE mentor. He is retired as Chief Financial Officer from Axalta Coating Systems.

This session will help you understand the differences between cash and earnings. It will provide suggestions to maximize cash.

Sales and earnings are not enough to survive. Ask W.T Grant, who had consistent earnings growth, yet went bankrupt. 

Ask Bernie Madoff, whose Ponzi scheme would have gone on had it not been for the lack of new cash inflows. 

In fact, the number two cause of business failures is not knowing the difference between earnings and cash!  Understanding the value of time in the cash equation is critical to business survival.

About the Presenter:

Tom Faughnan was the founder and CEO of Tech Services International, a limited liability corporation in Kennett Square. 

As part of his strong commitment to education, Faughnan taught Accounting and Financial Management Theory and Practice to undergraduate and graduate students at Pace University in New York, University of Arkansas, Delaware State University, Virginia Commonwealth University and continues to teach today at West Chester University in West Chester.

He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well as a Certified Forensic Accountant.

Click here to register. 

How to Start and Operate a Small Business

On Thursday, May 20, learn “How to Start and Operate a Small Business”.

The webinar, 6 to 7:30 p.m., is hosted by Frank P Farmer, attorney and SCORE presenter. 

If you are thinking about becoming your own boss, this is a chance to get an overview of the things you need to know and the skills you need to have.

This is a chance to get an overview if you are thinking about “becoming your own boss.”

This webinar is right for you if you are in the early stages of thinking about starting a small business. It will also help those who have started their own business but missed a few things.

Join Frank P. Farmer, Jr., in a discussion of the ‘nuts and bolts” issues that should be considered when starting and operating a small business.

Frank will discuss topics including:

• The need and usefulness of developing a business plan;
• Selecting a business organizational structure;
• Fictitious name registration; licensing;
• Hiring employees vs. independent contractors;
• Obtaining tax identification numbers

About the Presenter:

Frank P. Farmer, Jr. is a graduate of Widener School of Law. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. Farmer has had a private law practice since 1980. 

Frank Farmer is located in Kennett Square, but he offers services throughout Delaware Valley. His practice concentrates on small business transactions. That includes representing individuals and business entities. It also includes starting, operating, and/or buying/selling small businesses. 

His services include:

• Incorporation services and registration of fictitious names;
• Preparation and review of leases, contracts, employment agreements, shareholder/operating /partnership agreements;
• Representation of buyers/sellers of businesses, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.

This program is presented in partnership with the Small Business Development Centers of Kutztown and Widener Universities.

Click here to register. 

About SCORE

SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer business experts. It is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals.

Make a difference as a SCORE volunteer

Since 1964, it has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs nationwide.

SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties has been operating since 1985. It has 100 dedicated volunteers today. They provide confidential mentoring at no charge. They offer business seminars, workshops, and webinars to benefit the local community.

SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Find out more about SCORE by clicking here.