Do you want to start a small business? Do you have a small business and want to move your business to the next level? SCORE might just be the answer you need.
By offering free, confidential mentoring and workshops SCORE supports small businesses in Richland, Crawford, Ashland, Knox, Wyandot and Marion counties.
Amber Echelberry, the owner of Formal_Exchange in Shelby, is one of more than 200 small businesses SCORE has mentored over the past 12 months. When asked about how she found SCORE, Echelberry commented she Googled “help for small business owners” and SCORE appeared in the search results.
Although Echelberry is a seasoned business entrepreneur, owning ARE Management, she wanted to start another business – selling formal wear on consignment. She had thoroughly researched and planned this new business venture but wanted a sounding board for her ideas. Merris Welge, Mike McDaniel and John Boulton, three SCORE mentors, were just the ticket.
At the mentoring session Echelberry explained she had been looking for a house in Shelby for her shop and rental income but had been unable to find a location to meet her needs . The SCORE team encouraged her to consider starting out in her own home in Shelby.
Her home was uniquely suited for this approach with a separate entrance, parking, and space for the shop. By using her home she would reduce her start up costs, an important consideration for any new small business.
They also encouraged her to check her homeowner’s insurance if she chose this alternative and provided the information she needed about sales tax and obtaining a vendor’s license. She took this advice and kicked off her business.
Echelberry leveraged social media to find people who wanted to sell their dresses, and in just 4 weeks she has more than 450 stunning gowns from which young ladies can choose. This very successful social media campaign included people who follow Formal_Exchange on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
When asked about her experience with SCORE, Echelberry noted “SCORE helped me to button up some of the questions I didn’t have the answers to, e.g. sales tax, vendor’s license.”
Thanks to Echelberry’s strong business idea and a little guidance from SCORE, her shop is not only open but is receiving praise from grateful customers.
One woman had spent the day in Columbus looking for a dress without success, then she found Formal_Exchange. Another happy customer found her dress for just $20. Yet another customer recently commented, “I love that there are so many choices and not just a few styles.”
This fall is Homecoming season; one of three seasons throughout the year, including winter formal and prom, when Echelberry is open and busy outfitting young ladies with the perfect dress at a great price.
Her shop is open during other times by appointment by calling 567-275-1149.
If you have a great business idea and are looking for help getting started or maybe you’re an existing business and just need a little extra guidance, SCORE can help. To connect with SCORE just call the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-522-3211.
