Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I was reading Inc. Magazine today and came across an ad for the U.S. Small Business Administration`s mentoring program, SCORE.

The ad was fine, but one phrase caught my attention: `Confidential Advice`.

Sure, business advice, no matter who provides it, needs to be confidential. I just found it a bit out of context for a SCORE ad. This got me thinking:

If small businesses really are the engine of America`s growth, and tax revenues are declining according to IRS reports, what better way to gather intelligence on startups than a program like SCORE. Free advice, a panel of  `seasoned executives`, all of whom end up with your entire business plan, Federal Tax ID number, funding information, etc.

Great stuff to have on file if you`re the Federal Government.

Maybe I`m just jaded by the Bush administration ( I know, I know, the SBA has been around for decades), but is anyone else just a little creeped out by them having all of this information on your business? I personally have nothing to hide and file my taxes to the letter of the law, but it does make me wonder:

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Maybe they meant you won`t be inundated with solicitations. It`s almost impossible to "contact" anyone via Snail-mail/email/Internet - without repercussions.

I used SCORE once when a few of us started a company.  I was looking for advice as a new CTO such as publications, resources, etc. I should be investigating and utilizing.

I received a very generic response that really didn`t help much.  So if they are spies, they certainly didn`t try very hard to solicit any information from me.

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Matt

I wasn`t suggesting they were spies, obv. But it does raise the question of what they actually do with all the information they want from you: business plans, personal and business asset lists, funding opportunities, SBA-backed loan documents, etc., etc.

The actual old farts who are SCORE mentors probably could care less about what happens to the information, but I doubt the federal government does.

I agree that their advice is general and not all that useful. What a shocker - a federal agency that provides mediocre service!

I have to disagree here.  I have read other posts where folks have mentioned similar frustrations but I truly believe it depends on the individual SCORE mentor you connect with.  

In my particular experience, my SCORE mentor has proved to be INVALUABLE:  Readily dispensing time, wisdom and perspective. From reviewing contracts, to biz plan development, financial scenarios, YOU NAME IT!

Perhaps, like here at Startup Nation, contribution varies, but I would love to hear from some folks who have had a GOOD experieince with a SCORE mentor, I can`t be the only one!

As far as "BIG brother" watching us through SCORE, I wouldn`t worry so much as it seems "they" are outsourcing the collection of data more and more: i.e. a good friend of mine used to work with the SEC (EDGAR) and was laid off due to outsourcing overseas. It would seem that these critical filings should remain in the hands of domestic managment, but it is just not something you really hear about. Hmm....

I think it really depends on the SCORE Mentor. He or she may be trying to help you, so that the IRS do not come after you. Who wants to go to jail?

[Maybe I`m just jaded by the Bush administration... ] Don`t worry Jeff, you`re not the only one!

You raise a very interesting point about SCORE. Never worked with them but who knows, loose lips sink ships. I suppose a lot of the old-timers might be a bit more honorable but then again I could wrong.

It`s really not the old-timers, it`s the fact that this whole thing is a federal government agency. 

We originally thought that Dick Cheney ( also an old-timer ) was honorable.

Wait, I take that back. What the hell was I thinking?
I doubt Halliburton`s no-bid Iraqi contracts went through the SBA, huh?

Anyway, back to SBA/SCORE. If the rest of the Bush administration is gathering info without wiretap warrants, bringing suits against Google, etc., what would stop them from culling extremely relevant financial information from massive Small Business Administration records?

Answer: obviously, not the U.S. Constitution. That was shredded with their last purchase from Staples...

The U.S. Constitution has been "watered down" for reasons NOT raised to the level of National Security. If it were up to certain segments of our society, WE (The United States) would have claim to being The Worlds Leading Super-ORGY.

Winston Churchill was correct: "If you are young and not a Liberal - You have NO HEART. But if you are not a Conservative by the age of 40 - You have NO BRAIN". He was referring to Liberal & Conservative as "Social Attributes" - NOT a political party.

There IS a difference between Children and Adults - NO?  However, when it comes to the difference between Democrats & Republicans, and the materials they choose to digest (food for thought). It`s like the difference between FRUITLOOPS & OATMEAL... One sustains, the other appeases.

Many fail to see the bigger picture (the many). Some look out their window after a snowstorm, and think - Wonder! and Beauty! (everything is okay).While others see "loss of work" (construction worker, commuter, etc.). There is a BIG perception gap in this country. Unfortunately, many of the IDEALISTS that empower the young and foolish are wealthy!  Why? They can AFFORD to THINK like CHILDREN (remain idealistic), i.e., no deep worries...no deep thoughts. They only know what they WANT!

Big boys make bigger mistakes. Are Dick and George subject to"SUBTERFUGE" and underhanded deals (I hope so). Take a look at your own Cellular Biology? Without such tactics we would die soon after the common cold. Therfore, our own bodies are looking at the BIGGER picure... YOU! 

Was IRAQ a mistake ? I would not have gone there - YET!  Do we have picture and video of "The Muslim World" hailing...KILL AMERICANS? Do they teach their VERY YOUNG the same? Was there NO jusifiable reason for 911?    YES! all day long.

Forgive me for ranting. But I`m a little protective of people that are more good than bad. I am curious to know CookieMonster & Jeff.  Do you think they are BAD people?  Do you think they are only looking out for themselves? Do they have OUR best interests in mind?