ELMHURST CHAMBER PARTNERS WITH SCORE TO OFFER FREE SMALL BUSINESS COUNSELING
ELMHURST, Ill., May 11, 2010—Small businesses and start-ups in Elmhurst and surrounding communities can received free counseling from SCORE volunteers via the Fox Valley Chapter’s new partnership with Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Beginning June 4, SCORE will provide counseling services from the Elmhurst Chamber offices located at 242 North York Street, Suite 102, in downtown Elmhurst (also known as Elmhurst City Centre and the Central Business District).
“We look forward to working closely with the Elmhurst Chamber,” explained Lee McFadden, Chair of the Fox Valley SCORE Chapter 289. “Referrals will also come from business lenders, such as commercial banks and credit unions. As we emerge from recession, existing businesses are rethinking their business plans, and new businesses are starting.”
John R. Quigley, President and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber since 1999, said, “We are delighted to offer SCORE counseling as an added dimension of Chamber service to the community and as a way to foster the growth of small business.”
Small businesses can book free counseling sessions on the first and third Fridays of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Clients can schedule appointments online via the Fox Valley Score’s website at www.ScoreFoxValley.org.
SCORE, founded in 1964 as the Service Corps of Retired Executives, is a resource partner with the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).
Known as the “Counselors to America’s Small Business,” SCORE has assisted more than eight million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 11,000 volunteer business counselors in 389 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneurial education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.
The Fox Valley Chapter 289 has more than 70 volunteers—mostly retired and semi-retired executives and business owners—working out of offices in Aurora, Elgin, Lisle, Joliet, Naperville, DeKalb, McHenry and now Elmhurst.
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Chamber also serves the needs of it members through services, programs and events that provide opportunities for networking and referral, business education, development and promotion, governmental representation and community involvement.