Is your business perfect? Is there one area of your operation that could use expert advice? Are you considering the launch of a new retail enterprise and want to make sure your vision matches reality?

The answer may be closer than you think and free!

Retail Alliance announces its partnership with SCORE (Counselors to America’s Small Business) to provide retailers (and merchant wannabees) with expert confidential business counseling free of charge. With just a phone call or e-mail Retail Alliance members can now access the expertise of thousands of people who have years of experience in the workplace. Retailers can seek one-on-one counseling for a project or program, get e-mail advice or access on-line workshops in a variety of business subjects.

“Those of us involved with SCORE have spent years working in business and want to share what we know with people who want help and we can provide it when they need it…every day is a Saturday for us,” quips Alan J. Wonsowski, SCORE Virginia district director. “We aren’t generalists with academic credentials; each of us has been there and we bring a specific area of expertise to the table.”

SCORE counseling is provided by an individual with specific experience on a schedule that meets the needs of the business owner and can consist of one session or years of consultation with a variety of counselors.

“Operating a retail business is a unique undertaking and talking through ideas and problems with people who have experience in the field is a significant advantage,” commented Susan Milhoan, president of Retail Alliance. “Getting this kind of advice free of charge can be a part of every merchant’s strategy for facing today’s economic challenges.”

SCORE was established in 1964 and today consists of nearly 400 chapters nationwide with more than 11,500 volunteers providing counseling to businesses in all categories.

The Retail Alliance partnership with SCORE will facilitate the interaction of local volunteers with retailers in need of support on issues from marketing to finance to merchandising and human resources. SCORE volunteers will provide educational programs at Retail Alliance Council meetings, attend Retail Alliance member events and provide advice through Retail Angles. Additionally, the SCORE website and local chapter contact information will be accessible through the Retail Alliance website. Simply click on the SCORE logo on the home page to begin improving your business today.

For more information and local contact information, visit the SCORE national website at www.score.org. SCORE volunteers will also be available at MediaFest from 5-9 p.m. on February 26 at the Waterside Marriott, Norfolk.