By Betsy Natter

Taking the leap to start a business can be a daunting task with so many considerations and details to plan and arrange. Understanding finances, setting up a physical space in which to operate, creating a website and advertising, acquiring customers, hiring staff and providing ongoing services may prove to be overwhelming to the uninitiated. But fortunately for Bucks County aspiring entrepreneurs, help is close by. Several business and educational service entities offer training and assistance for those who need to learn what it takes to start and maintain a new business.

Some of these services, such as mentoring, are free while others offer low cost opportunities to learn all a new business owner needs to know. Check out our list of resources below to help you get started.

SCORE

11 Welden Dr., Doylestown, PA 18901 • 215-943-8850 • buckscounty.score.org

The Bucks County chapter of SCORE is part of a national non-profit association purposed with helping entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow and succeed. The organization offers one-on-one mentoring sessions at several locations throughout the county. Webinar Wednesdays are offered the second Wednesday evening of every month and provide an hour-long session on a variety of business topics. In addition, SCORE sponsors workshops such as “Start a Business” to provide information and assistance to prospective business owners. Their next workshop will be held on Oct. 11 from 9–11:30 am at their Doylestown location at 11 Weldon Drive, Suite 100.

Bucks County Economic Development Corporation

115 West Court Street, Second Floor • Doylestown, PA 18901 • 215-348-9031 • bcedc.com

Bucks County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) is a non-profit, non-political economic development organization established in 1958 to support economic growth in Bucks County. BCEDC is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certified economic development agency. BCEDC offers low cost financing options for land/building, machinery and equipment. These and other incentive programs offered through BCEDC create a strong and vital economy for Bucks County and in return create and retain jobs for Bucks County residents.  The BCEDC coordinates economic development projects with County agencies and other organizations and encourage business growth in Bucks County through a variety of Federal, State and Local financing programs. The BCEDC host regular events for local entrepreneurs and business owners.

Business @ Bucks, Bucks County Community College

Locations throughout Bucks, main campus: 275 Swamp Road Newtown PA 18940 • 215-968-8000 • bucks.edu

Bucks County Community College has long been a front-runner in training future and current business leaders to be their very best. For those just starting out or looking for a career change consider the school’s continuing education programs in Entrepreneurship. The college offers two certificate programs, both available completely online. Each certificate is comprised of three courses, each taking one month to complete. Courses may be taken independently, but all three are required to receive the certification. The certificate in Entrepreneurship includes Entrepreneur Boot Camp, The Business Plan and Entrepreneurial Marketing. The second certificate focuses on the financial aspects of a business and includes courses in Accounting and Finance for non-Financial Managers, Cash is King (business cash flow) and Funding Your Business. Call (215) 868-8409 option #1 to register.

Bucks CCC is also in the process of developing a Virtual Incubator Network where experienced entrepreneurs, faculty, alumni and community mentors will inspire, educate and connect to offer new entrepreneurs the support they need to move from the concept stage to launching startups.

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