SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2008--Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) and SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business,"
today announced the availability of easy-to-use online tools that
provide small business owners with relevant ideas and guidance on topics
from securing funding to managing cash flow. The Financial Management
Workbook and Ask SCORE widget provide advice and mentoring to help small
business owners make critical business decisions.
The free workbook -- which offers small business owners an actionable,
easy-to-follow curriculum and information on key areas of concern for
small businesses -- is available through the Visa Business Network on
Facebook (www.VisaBusinessNetwork.com),
at SCORE.org and at the more than 370 SCORE chapters nationwide. The
workbook covers important and timely topics including:
-- How to efficiently manage cash flow
-- How to maximize income and the speed with which you get paid
-- How to minimize expenses
-- Knowing your funding options
-- Being prepared for your business's growth and "what if" scenarios
In addition, small business case studies and related advice from SCORE
counselors illustrate each business principle, while checklists and
financial strategies offer a structured foundation for decision-making.
"As a longtime provider of small business payment cards and related
small business services, we understand that it is vital for business
owners to have easy access to resources and insight to help them manage
the health of their business, especially during challenging economic
times," said Raghav Lal, Head of Global Small Business, Visa Inc. "This
is why we are excited to be working with SCORE, a respected small
business authority, to make these free tools and counsel available to
business owners."
Ask SCORE
Ask SCORE, a function already available on SCORE's website, can now be
accessed directly through the Visa Business Network. This tool enables
business owners to locate and connect with SCORE mentors in their area
who have relevant experience in their business or industry. Small
business owners can easily download the Ask SCORE widget to their
desktop by visiting www.AskScore.org
or the Visa Business Network. Entrepreneurs can ask SCORE mentors about
topics ranging from personnel issues to how to write a business plan and
typically receive a response within 48 hours.
"Organizations such as SCORE and Visa can help entrepreneurs make it
through this recession and can help them ultimately succeed and grow
their businesses. The SCORE and Visa Financial Management Workbook is
the right tool at the right time to help entrepreneurs manage their
money so they can manage for success," said
Ken Yancey
, CEO of SCORE.
"Entrepreneurs can get free and confidential advice from SCORE to help
them navigate cash flow, financial planning and projections to steer a
clear course to profits."
By offering the workbook and tools online, Visa and SCORE are providing
small business owners everywhere with an easy and interactive way to get
advice and engage with a community of other small business owners.
To access The Visa/SCORE Small Business Financial Management Workbook
and the Ask SCORE application, visit www.VisaBusinessNetwork.com.
Compact disc versions of the workbook are available by visiting your
local SCORE chapter. For more information about starting or operating a
small business, call (800) 634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you or
visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org.
For more information about Visa Small Business, visit www.visa.com/smallbusiness.
Notes to Editors:
About Visa
Visa Inc. operates the world's largest retail electronic payments
network providing processing services and payment product platforms.
This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments,
which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS
brands. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world, and
Visa/PLUS is one of the world's largest global ATM networks, offering
cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries. For more
information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" has helped
more than 8 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners
through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer
business counselors in 370 chapters serve their communities through
entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of
small businesses.
CONTACT: Visa Inc.
Sabine Middlemass
, 650-432-8307
globalmedia@visa.com
or
Fleishman-Hillard
Colleen Smith
, 415-318-4183
colleen.smith@fleishman.com
Source: Visa Inc.