Minority Entrepreneurs

Harold Massop Associates Architects, P.C.

Owner/Founder
Harold Massop
My Location
6515 S Wenatchee Ct.
Aurora CO 80016
United States
Year Company Formed
1988
How SCORE Helped
Harold Massop Associates Architects (HMA) is a multidiscipline design firm founded in 1988 in Denver specializing in architecture, planning and interior design. The company is a SBE/MBE firm certified in the State of Colorado, the City and County of Denver and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Some of the Massop projects will be familiar to Denver and Colorado Springs residents including: NORAD/US Army Spacecom Operational Facilities, Kit Carson Memorial Plaza in Colorado Sprints, U.S. West (now Qwest) Office Building, Five Points Media Center, Cherry Creek Office Building, Rocky Mountain Electrical Supply in Denver.
 
HMA has endured many recessions since 1988. Harold invited SCORE in with its Business Check-Up Service in January 2009 to assure he hadn’t overlooked any operational detail in this, the worst recession the firm has faced. Since January 2009, three SCORE volunteers under the team leadership of Jack Scott have met with him once a month and continue to do so. The initial focus was on expense containment, then marketing, then loan management and now succession planning. HMA is a work in progress and a testimony to managing through the worst recession to hit the construction industry in memory.
 
Harold’s wife Carmen started her own gift basket business in January 2009. Ken Hootnick of SCORE assisted her with the startup.

Sweet Red Coffee & Wine Bistro

Dan and Cindi Alire had a desire to own their restuarant atrer working for a number of years for other restaurants.  They felt they would have the flexibility to do the type of menus and beverage services lacking in the existing restaurants in the community.  SCORE recommended that a marketing plan be written to test the current market and analyze the competition.  They found the target customer was looking for delightful dining experience combining both a Latin flair and relaxation in one destination.  They opened for business in November of 2011 offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  The customer reviews are very good and the business volume should increase.

Owner/Founder
Dan and Cindi Alire, co-owners
My Location
208 1st Avenue West
Albany OR 97321
United States
Employees
10
Year Company Formed
2011
My Successes

They have been featured in the local newspaper  Democrat-Herald with a news article on new businesses in the Old Historic Downtown of Albany.

What's Great About My Mentor?

SCORE counselor listened well to their dreams and urged caution to do the homework before inventing into the business.  The homework was sequenced to make it reasonable and thorough.

How SCORE Helped

SCORE provided guidance in the marketing strategy and financial projections to ensure a profitable business.  SCORE resources also provided guidance on commercial lease agreement and what flexibility would be possible for lease-holder improvements.   A business plan was also reviewed.

Education

Cindi Alire has over 25 years in the restaurant business and has catering and management experience.  She has interiordecorating talents.

Dan Alire has many years of restaurant experience and also supervisory experience in manufacturing

Local ‘Teenpreneur’ Scores National Recognition

Date
Tue, 2012-08-21 09:05

Bridgeja' Baker, 14, owner of Creative Jewelry by Bridgeja’, was honored at the SCORE Foundation’s annual award ceremony for her unique vision, innovation and achievement. The young entrepreneur has been chosen as this year’s recipient for the Outstanding Minority-Owned Small Business award given by The SCORE Foundation; sponsored by AT&T.

Related Topics

Haile Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Originally I wanted to start a T-Shirt printing business, but was also interested in using my Psychotherapy skills.  Using the skills that my SCORE counselor gave me, I was able to use both my art and my Psychotherapy training to establish my Point of Change Counseling company.  I have been in this new direction for my career and am loving it.

Thank you SCORE

 

Owner/Founder
Julia H. Robbins, LCSW
My Location
4965 SW 91st Terr. Suite A
Gainesville FL 32608
United States
Employees
1
Year Company Formed
2009
My Successes

I am in the career that really suits me.  Helping people with both my counseling skills and my art.  My practice is successful.

What's Great About My Mentor?

My Mentor was great.  He was kind, helped me with my business plan and record keeping and led me to make good decisions.  While I did not stay with the business idea I had originally, the transition to my current Private Practice is both enjoyable and rewarding.

How SCORE Helped

About five years ago, I made an appointment and met with one of your associates. He was extremely helpful in explaining how to formulate a business plan. I felt very comfortable asking questions, and my questions were always answered helpfully and with respect. I am now the sole proprieter of a psychotherapy private practice here in Gainesville. I owe a thank you to SCORE for getting me pointed in the right direction. I would highly reccommend SCORE's services!

Julia H. Robbins, LCSW

poccounseling @poccounseling.com

Education

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Private Practice

Templates
Published Aug. 11, 2012 application/pdf icon

A Quick Reference Guide for Start-up and Existing Small Businesses in Austin and San Antonio

Download
Published Aug. 10, 2012 application/pdf icon

Following a number of years in the insurance industry, five years ago I left my job to have a child and be a stay-at-home mom. Now that my son is beginning school, rather than returning to work, I’m thinking about starting a business. What advice can you offer?  Read more...

Download

Creative Jewelry by Bridgeja’ Receives National Recognition as Outstanding Minority-Owned Small Business from The SCORE Foundation Sponsored by AT&T

Date
Fri, 2012-08-10 14:46

Washington DC─ Creative Jewelry by Bridgeja’ has been chosen as this year’s recipient for the prestigious Outstanding Minority-Owned Small Business award given by The SCORE Foundation and sponsored by AT&T. SCORE, -www.SCORE.org- mentors to America’s small business, serves over 350,000 clients annually and honors their most successful clients at The SCORE Foundation’s 4th Annual SCORE Awards Gala celebrating excellence on Thursday, August 16th in New Orleans, LA.

Related Topics

SCORE Awards Put a Spotlight on Small Business Success

Date
Mon, 2012-08-06 09:16

Entrepreneurs and Supporters Honored for Creating Jobs and Helping to Improve the Economy at August Event

Washington, D.C. — SCORE, -www.score.org- mentors to America’s small business, announces the winners of the 4th annual SCORE Awards for entrepreneurial excellence and support of America’s small businesses. The SCORE Awards gala will be held August 16th in New Orleans, LA.

Related Topics

Financial: The Business Plan, Cornerstone to Success

Date
Wed, 2012-07-18 11:48

Betty Uribe of Latina Style Magazine recommends creating a solid business plan prior to applying for bank assistance with a business expansion.  She advises that business owners consult with the SBA or SCORE in creating an accurate and effective plan.

 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Related Topics

Syndicate content