Counseling
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business" offer free, one-on-one counseling at locations throughout the Inland Northwest. Can't make it in? No problem, SCORE even does e-mail counseling!

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer no-cost, one-on-one counseling, research, innovation assessment, and more for new and existing entrepreneurs in Washington & Idaho. 

The Washington SBDC offers NetCounseling, a program which Permits live, face-to-face business counseling and technical assistance over the Internet from a designated NetCounseling site or a business owner’s office or home PC.
SCORE or SBDC? Both are great resources! Sometimes clients use both SCORE & the SBDC! Call (509) 353-2800. A BIC representative will refer you to the most appropriate resource.

Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technical Institute (SIRTI) Mentor Program links startups with top-level advisors.  

Emerging technology companies in the Inland Northwest now have a new resource to tap for expert business advice thanks to the new  Executive Mentor Program. 

Many early-stage companies are focused on product development and need management skills and assistance beyond what their organizations can provide, according to Tony Lentz, program director. Through the Executive Mentor program, seasoned business professionals work with client companies as advisors or as long-term key players. They can provide strategic counsel to help businesses pursue commercialization of technologies and growth, and they can open access to other advisors, managers, customers and investors to help build competitive advantage. 

The program is administered by SIRTI and a board of advisors selected for experience in management, business development, entrepreneurship and investment. Want to know more? Contact Tony Lentz, phone: (509) 358-2022.