Visa and SCORE Collaborate to Support Small Businesses

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2008--Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) and SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business," today announced the availability of easy-to-use online tools that provide small business owners with relevant ideas and guidance on topics from securing funding to managing cash flow. The Financial Management Workbook and Ask SCORE widget provide advice and mentoring to help small business owners make critical business decisions.

The free workbook -- which offers small business owners an actionable, easy-to-follow curriculum and information on key areas of concern for small businesses -- is available through the Visa Business Network on Facebook (www.VisaBusinessNetwork.com), at SCORE.org and at the more than 370 SCORE chapters nationwide. The workbook covers important and timely topics including:

-- How to efficiently manage cash flow
-- How to maximize income and the speed with which you get paid
-- How to minimize expenses
-- Knowing your funding options
-- Being prepared for your business's growth and "what if" scenarios

In addition, small business case studies and related advice from SCORE counselors illustrate each business principle, while checklists and financial strategies offer a structured foundation for decision-making.

"As a longtime provider of small business payment cards and related small business services, we understand that it is vital for business owners to have easy access to resources and insight to help them manage the health of their business, especially during challenging economic times," said Raghav Lal, Head of Global Small Business, Visa Inc. "This is why we are excited to be working with SCORE, a respected small business authority, to make these free tools and counsel available to business owners."

Ask SCORE

Ask SCORE, a function already available on SCORE's website, can now be accessed directly through the Visa Business Network. This tool enables business owners to locate and connect with SCORE mentors in their area who have relevant experience in their business or industry. Small business owners can easily download the Ask SCORE widget to their desktop by visiting www.AskScore.org or the Visa Business Network. Entrepreneurs can ask SCORE mentors about topics ranging from personnel issues to how to write a business plan and typically receive a response within 48 hours.

"Organizations such as SCORE and Visa can help entrepreneurs make it through this recession and can help them ultimately succeed and grow their businesses. The SCORE and Visa Financial Management Workbook is the right tool at the right time to help entrepreneurs manage their money so they can manage for success," said Ken Yancey, CEO of SCORE. "Entrepreneurs can get free and confidential advice from SCORE to help them navigate cash flow, financial planning and projections to steer a clear course to profits."

By offering the workbook and tools online, Visa and SCORE are providing small business owners everywhere with an easy and interactive way to get advice and engage with a community of other small business owners.

To access The Visa/SCORE Small Business Financial Management Workbook and the Ask SCORE application, visit www.VisaBusinessNetwork.com. Compact disc versions of the workbook are available by visiting your local SCORE chapter. For more information about starting or operating a small business, call (800) 634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you or visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org.

For more information about Visa Small Business, visit www.visa.com/smallbusiness.

Notes to Editors:

About Visa

Visa Inc. operates the world's largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and payment product platforms. This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS brands. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world, and Visa/PLUS is one of the world's largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" has helped more than 8 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 370 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

 

CONTACT: Visa Inc.
Sabine Middlemass, 650-432-8307
globalmedia@visa.com
or
Fleishman-Hillard
Colleen Smith, 415-318-4183
colleen.smith@fleishman.com

Source: Visa Inc.