Even seasoned, talented would-be entrepreneurs can suffer from self-doubts. They compromise their dreams of small business ownership, fearing they lack the skills, information or expertise to take the risk. Given this lack of confidence, they fear converting the dream of what could be a highly successful venture to reality.

The good news is that neither the timid nor the confident aspiring entrepreneur must tackle the challenges of starting or running a small business alone. To make wise, informed decisions for their small business, entrepreneurs anywhere in the United States can tap into a powerful small business resource: SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business."

SCORE's volunteer base consists of 10,500 professionals serving in one of 389 SCORE chapters throughout the United States. These experts have already succeeded in business and want to share their real-world knowledge with others on a free, confidential basis. Some 1,200 of them offer email counseling. In all cases, their expertise is donated to help your business without adding expense. Experts in accounting, finance, human resources, law and marketing are available to give advice and counsel you on business planning, management and operations.

In addition to counseling, SCORE offers low-cost workshops and seminars on a variety of business topics ranging from how to start a business to developing a succession plan.

If you would like to contact a SCORE Counselor or would like to become a SCORE Counselor, contact your local Chamber of Commerce and make an appointment or leave word that you are interested in joining SCORE. We are especially seeking Spanish speakers and women to accommodate our clients' needs.