Mentor's Toolkit
Use the tabs below to filter through valuable resources gathered together by the SCORE St. Louis team!
New Member ResourcesClient ResourcesStarting a New BusinessBusiness PlansChapter Roster ExperienceWorkshop Resources
New Member Resources - Mentoring Sessions
Legal Business Structures
This table will help define and compare various legal business structures.
Mentoring Startup Guide
Use this resource to help guide clients from defining their business idea to opening their doors.
Client Resources
Public Library Resources
This powerpoint provides information on how library data can help start your business as well as market your business.
Gov't and Other Resources for Business Services
This document provides resources and services for small businesses throughout Missouri.
SBA Small Business Resource Guide
This resource provides various resources for you from local business assistance to contracting.
Starting a New Business
Non-Profit
Starting a Not for Profit Instruction and Checklist
This document provides instructions and a checklist for starting a Not for Profit in the state of Missouri
Business Planning and Tools for Non-Profits (36 pages)
This this document has been broken down into 9 sections and provides business planning tools for non-profit organizations.
Funding
Funding Options for Start-ups
This document shares information that pertains to funding options for start-ups. The following specific options within this resource are available from RMI Business Finance.
Grants, Grant Writing and Grant Assessment Tools
This document provides grant resources such as: writing support, readiness assessment tools, and checklists including St. Louis specific resources.
SBA Funding Programs (from SBA Resource Guide)
This includes tips and suggestions on applying for an SBA loan, SBA grant, SBA lenders, COVID-19 relief options and more.
SBA 504 Loans
Are you looking to expand, replace/purchase real estate or heavy equipment for your small business? Click to read this resource and learn more about the 504 Loan program the SBA offers!
Loans and Tax Incentives Available Through the City of St. Louis
This section highlights a number of opportunities including: Loan and Bond Programs, Funding Opportunities, and Tax Incentives and Abatements (links)
Legal
St. Louis Area Attorney Referrals
This is a list of attorneys who are active in supporting entrepreneurs in St. Louis. (These should not be viewed as been "vetted" or in anyway "recommended" by SCORE.)
Forms of Legal Structures Comparison
This resource will assist you in being able to define and compare various legal business structures so you may have a better understanding.
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
This document has a summary sheet for entrepreneurs on legal services of eastern Missouri provided by the Community Economic Development Program (CED Program).
Marketing
Basic Marketing Plan Template
The structure of this document is a guide only – you may wish to delete (or add) sections depending on your business type or the intended audience of your marketing plan.
Digital Marketing Learning Materials
A list of links provided by Dick Slackman of resources and information for Digital Marketing as well as a number of free links. There are links that are available via subscription to LinkedIn Learning (or free as part of a LinkedIn Premium account)
Taxes
Federal Tax Responsibilities
This document provides information about small business federal tax responsiblities as well as tax help for small businesses and the self-employed.
Hiring
Hiring Your First Employee - Must Do's
This four-page slideshow provides information on the thirteen essential steps you must take when hiring your first employee from paperwork and payroll to social security and tax information.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee
This slideshow will help you define if one is an independent contractor or employee as well as information common law rules, social security and Medicare taxes, and more.
Business Development
Business Development Resources
Information on resources available for new and existing businesses in St. Louis. Includes info on: St. Louis Development Corporation and its Resources, Local Incubators and Business Centers, Business Assistance Center, and Retail Development Assistance.
Business Plans
Simple Steps for Starting a Business - English
This workbook serves as a primer, providing info that will help you decide if starting a small business is right for you.
Writing a Strong Business Plan
This document holds a Q & A with Cynthia McCahon, founder of Enloop, regarding what it takes to write a strong business plan.
Lean Canvas Business Model
This template will help you establish your identity, target market, milestones and other important information when creating your business model.
Business Plan for Startups (from Deluxe)
This document provides an in-depth look on the different components that build a business plan for a startup business.
Chapter Roster Experience
Member Industry Skills
This spreadsheet provides insight on SCORE St. Louis' volunteer industry skills and classifications.
Workshops
Workshop Resource
Be sure to have access to this read only workshop related file!