Discover Haverford Supports Budding Entrepreneurs

Discover Haverford is excited to announce workshops and other support for budding entrepreneurs. They are offering a series of free workshops to support budding entrepreneurs this spring, in partnership with SCORE Chester & Delaware Counties. “We know that many people dream of opening their own business, or they operate a home-based business and dream of having a storefront,” explains Executive Director Jeanne Angell. “We hope that these workshops will help in the discernment process and hopefully move them forward towards their goals.”

The first workshop, “Is Entrepreneurship for you?” will be held on March 21st at 7:00pm at the Community Recreation & Environmental Center in Haverford. The workshop will feature a panel of successful Haverford Township business owners who have opened in the past several years, moderated by Discover Haverford and SCORE. Panelists include bakery owner Gina Szathmary of Sweets on Darby, franchise owner Ben Labovitz of Wild Birds Unlimited, interior designer Caroline Finnegan of Hendren House which includes her design business and retail space, and Brian Niles, owner of House Cup Coffee roastery and café.

The second workshop, led by attorney and SCORE volunteer Joseph Grecco on April 16th at 6:00pm, will review the “nuts and bolts” issues that should be considered when starting and operating a small business. Joseph will discuss topics including the need and usefulness of developing a business plan, selecting a business organizational structure, fictitious name registration, licensing, hiring employees vs. independent contractors, obtaining tax identification numbers and other related topics.

Discover Haverford offers additional support for businesses that would like to open in the Township, including materials about demographics, market research, consumer surveys, and a listing of available properties on their Discover Haverford website in the “Doing Business” section. New businesses are offered assistance with ribbon cuttings and grand opening events, and are profiled in their monthly newsletter.

Participation in the workshops is free, but due to space limitations, registration is required. Visit www.discoverhaverford.org/workshops to register.

About Discover Haverford

Discover Haverford (formerly known as HPED), a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2010, is a partnership between Haverford Township, business and property owners and Township residents. We foster economic growth in Haverford Township by supporting local businesses, promoting Haverford Township as a destination, hosting events such as the Havertown Holiday Festival, our Dining Club, Haverfood Festival, and Shop Small Saturday, and revitalizing our business districts and public spaces through the installation of planters, gardens, fountains, benches, and signage.

About SCORE

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business experts, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals. Since 1964, we have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs nationwide.

SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties has been operating since 1985, with 100 dedicated volunteers today who provide confidential mentoring at no charge and offer business seminars, workshops, and webinars to benefit the local community.