By Kevin Scanlan
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters nationwide. We are a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
I am the Vice Chair for the South Region and a Certified Mentor for Chicago SCORE. BAPA has provided me with office space to meet with individuals who are considering starting a business or who want to grow their existing business.
There is no fee to access my services nor are there any limits on the number of times we meet. While I encourage the initial meeting to be in person, follow up meetings can be by phone, internet or in person.
Like other SCORE mentors, I bring my connection to the community, education and years of professional experience into my meetings with local entrepreneurs. I’m a proud St. Laurence High School grad, attended Chicago City College and received my undergraduate degree from Chicago State University. I received my Masters in Business Administration from National Louis University.
I recently retired after a 40-year career in Healthcare Administration which began at Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn. I spent the majority of my career with the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council (MCHC), a membership and service organization representing over 160 hospitals and other healthcare providers in the greater Chicago area. I was honored to serve as the President/CEO of MCHC.
In a typical meeting with a SCORE client, we discuss the importance of having a business plan and how to write one, as well as providing input on a client’s business plan. We typically review the various legal structures of small business (LLC, Partnerships, SubChapter S, C, etc.), business licensing and registration requirements at the State and local level, marketing plans, domain name protection and web site development as well as other business development topics.
In future columns I’ll describe in greater detail the services that SCORE offers and how we may be of assistance to people in the community. If you have questions, contact me at kevin.scanlan@scorevolunteer.org
(Kevin Scanlan is Vice Chair, Chicago SCORE South Region and a Certified SCORE Mentor.)
