Business Support:
SCORE Dutchess
SCORE is America's premier source of free small business advice for entrepreneurs. They are an all volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the success of small businesses in Dutchess County.
SCORE's volunteers are working and retired business men and women who will provide you with free and confidential business counseling and are experts in the areas of accounting, finance, marketing, management and business plan preparation.
With SCORE, you can take advantage of:
- A free and confidential consultation with a business professional
- An on-site evaluation at your business site.
- A team of SCORE counselors to provide you with specialized assistance in a wide range of business areas.
- Free and low cost workshops and seminars offerred throughout the year.
Visit their website at Score Dutchess NY for information on their workshops or to schedule an appointment.
Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation
Nationally recognized economic development corporation, whose mission is to attract, retain, and expand for-profit and not-for-profit businesses for the benefit of Dutchess County. Resources include information and assistance in financing a new business or business expansion and assistance in marketing commercially viable real estate. www.thinkdutchess.com
New York Business Development Corporation
The NYBDC mission is to promote economic activity within New York state by providing innovative loans to small and medium-size businesses; to assist our partner banks in making such loans; and, particularly, to assist minority and women-owned businesses by offering credit opportunities not otherwise available to them. www.nybdc.com
NYS Small Business Development Center
A business assistance organization in New York State providing expert management and technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses across the state. www.nyssbdc.org
Area Chambers & Tourism Bureaus:
Southern Dutchess Chamber
Representing over 1000 members Southern Dutchess County area and affiliates with the Millbrook-Town of Washington Business Association. www.gsdcc.org
Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Serving the interests of Dutchess County businesses since 1907. www.dutchesscountyregionalchamber.org
Dutchess County Tourism
Extensive online guide to businesses, recreation and the arts in Dutchess County. Advertising opportunities for business owners in the brochures and guides published throughout the year. 463-4000 or 800-445-3131. www.dutchesstourism.com
Reports, Surveys & Articles of Interest
- A common misconception among consumers is the cost-saving
benefits of shopping chain stores. The following reports,
conducted about Chain Pharmacies vs. Local Independent Pharmacies,
debunk this myth.
Consumer Reports: Time to Switch Drugstores?
Tompaine.com: Wal-Mart's Drug Deal - Economic Impact study of Local Merchants vs. Chain Retailers
which found that for every $100 spent at a chain, $13 remained
in the community while $45 remained when spent with home town
businesses.
Civic Economics:Economic Impact Study -Austin TX
