Workshop Scheduled To Prepare Businesses For Meeting Lenders

Provided By SCORE Bucks County:

Members of SCORE Bucks County will lead a March 19 workshop aimed at helping start-up projects, entrepreneurs and owners of existing small businesses to prepare and present a business plan and to understand the process of obtaining business loans.

Last year this annual workshop, one of the most popular events organized by SCORE in Bucks County, drew roughly 70 people. A similar number are expected this year.

“Workshop attendees will learn how to write a compelling business plan and prepare themselves for those all-important meetings with their bank and other lending sources,” SCORE mentor and workshop coordinator, Tim Fielder said. “It’s for anyone who plans to start a business or is the owner of a small, growing business.”

This workshop is a precursor to another important workshop to be presented on April 26 by the SBA, where attendees will meet with 40 or more lending sources and agencies to discuss their financial needs.

At the March 19 workshop, SCORE mentors Dave Boster will discuss how to write a business plan and Don Goeltz will outline how attendees should craft and deliver a concise, but informative lenders presentation pitch.

Sonia Smith will review the support available from the SBA. Harry McGuirk, a senior loan officer at QNB Bank, will explain how a banker evaluates business loan applications. Chris Hurock, CEO of The Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, will discuss sources of non-banking finance available for small businesses.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet and interact with the speakers and other invited experts during Q&A discussions and informal break-out sessions. SCORE counselors will be available to answer individual questions on cash flow presentations, marketing plans and crafting a 10-minute lenders presentation pitch. Attendees will be invited to book a free, confidential and private 90-minute mentoring session with an experienced SCORE mentor at a time and location convenient.

SCORE Bucks County ‘s “Prepare to Meet the lenders” workshop will be held on March 19 at The Homewood Suites, 2650 Kelly Road, Warrington. Registration and coffee starts at 8:30am. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The workshop is free and open to anyone. However, seating is limited and on-line reservations are recommended. To reserve your spot visit www.buckscounty.score.org or call 215 943-8850.

The workshop is a precursor to the Small Business Administration’s April 26 “Meet the Lenders” workshop, which will be held at the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia.