Resources
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. wants to help you become even better prepared for the marketplace, even if you decide not to become a supplier.
The following is a list of organizations that may be able to assist you in your business endeavors.
Service Corps of Retired Executives Association (SCORE)
If you own a small business or plan to start a business you can contact this nonprofit, volunteer group of business experts for free-of-charge advice, counseling and mentoring. SCORE has 389 chapter offices and 12,400 volunteer business counselors ready to help you with business planning, loan applications, market development, cash flow analysis and much more. Call 1-800-634-0245 to find the SCORE chapter nearest you.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
There are about 800 Small Business Development Centers located throughout the United States. The development centers are funded in part by the federal Small Business Administration and sponsored by universities and other agencies. SBDCs provide management, marketing, financial, accounting and production consulting services, as well as professional training seminars to entrepreneurs and smaller enterprises.
Individual centers vary in their capabilities, but generally, all provide free services. Since most SBDC's are affiliated with university schools of business, you can usually locate the SBDC in your area by contacting a nearby business school. You can also contact them through the Association of Small Business Development Centers at (703) 271-8700.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is the only federal agency specifically created to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America. MBDA funds development centers in U.S. areas with the largest concentration of minority populations and the largest number of minority businesses. These centers offer a wide range of business services to minority entrepreneurs.
The MBDA network also offers assistance in identifying sources of financing and in the preparation of financial and bonding proposals. The MBDA does not make grants, loans or loan guarantees. Business referral services are provided free of charge. However, the network generally charges nominal fees for specific management and technical assistance services. You can find out more about MBDA services in your region by calling (202) 482-4547.
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