In 2002, a recent graduate of MSU with a business degree came to SCORE for help in starting a business. Jeff Riggs planned to start a Wheat Montana franchise called the Wheat Montana Deli. Though he had the business degree, he had no business experience what-so-ever.

SCORE provided Jeff help covering a number of early decisions that had to be made.
Among them were:
• Choosing a location (analyze traffic patterns, likely source of steady customers, etc.)
• What was a reasonable building size
• Size of staff
• What accounting methods to use
• Legal incorporation

Jeff was also given a number of publications pertaining to the food business to read and study. Help was provided to write a business plan that would be a necessary document in order to procure start-up funding. Jeff also remembers how much confidence he gained knowing that as he progressed he had a mentor organization he could call on at any time to help with decision or problems as they arose.
In the following years the success with the Bozeman deli was followed by franchises opened in Helena, Billings, and Great Falls.
Now, Jeff is heading in a new direction, having recently decided to convert the Bozeman operation from a franchise to his own wholly owned restaurant called CLARK’S FORK. Again, Jeff is taking advantage of SCORE’S expertise in marketing his new brand name and methods of increasing his cadre of steady customers. When all this is worked out for the Bozeman CLARK’S FORK restaurant, he will then use the same methods to convert his three other operations.
Jeff’s success was  in part due to SCORE’S help. He states that “SCORE is a much underutilized resource for small businesses”.

SCORE FACTS

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), are volunteers who are former, as well as, active business owners, operators, managers, and  executives, who counsel new or existing businesses that need business advice to succeed. SCORE counselors offer real-world experience gained from owning their own business or serving in management positions for companies ranging from small to medium size and up to Fortune 500 companies. In addition to their business experience, all SCORE counselors receive specialized training by the association.

SCORE’S counseling is free, starting with a one-hour session on Tuesday mornings, at their offices, and then continuing with follow-up sessions as long as needed. There is no limit to the help and number of sessions a client may require. All counseling is held in the strictest confidence between counselors and client. During the first session, two SCORE volunteers will work with the client.

For new start-ups, discussions will cover the possible forms of legal structure of the business, what the business has to offer that is new or advantageous over existing competition, what capital may be needed and where the client may seek funding, and the types of marketing or advertising to consider. Benefits of writing a business plan are stressed, and a business plan outline, and a final review, will be provided.