Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 7, 1994 TAG: 9404070170
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-18 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Specialized help on taxes, business licenses, zoning regulations and building restrictions can be obtained from local governments. Financial information can be provided by banks and other lending institutions.
Much of the same information also is available from professionals in those fields - lawyers, accountants and business consultants. But they are likely to charge a fee.
In addition to those sources, several agencies in the Roanoke Valley provide a range of services to people who either plan to open their own businesses or are already operating.
Among the agencies in the Roanoke Valley are:
SCORE - Room 716, Poff Federal Building, 982-4334. This is a nonprofit agency made up of retired business executives who provide counseling in all aspects of business. SCORE also sponsors business workshops in cooperation with other agencies.
The Blue Ridge Small Business Development Center - Operating from the offices of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, 983-0717. It provides individual counseling and up to 30 workshops a year on all aspects of business, including export marketing.
Southwest Virginia Community Development Fund - 401 First St. N.W., 344-6624. This is an independent, nonprofit agency that provides management and technical assistance in all aspects of starting, expanding or modernizing a business. It also grants loans to small businesses.
Blue Ridge Independent Living Center - 1502 Williamson Road N.E., 342-1231. This is a nonprofit agency that encourages all public places to make their quarters accessible to the handicapped and offers technical assistance on how that can be done.
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