Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Small Business Support topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Webster Groves residents propose free SCORE-style consulting for small businesses
Summary
A Webster Groves resident proposed a volunteer-run, free consulting program modeled on SCORE to help the city’s roughly 130 small businesses with growth strategies, outreach and planning; organizers said they plan to operate independently of the city and promote the service at an upcoming business coffee.
A Webster Groves resident told the Business Development Commission that he and a fellow Webster resident, Tony Bellalacqua, are considering launching a volunteer consulting service modeled on the national SCORE program to offer free business advice to local entrepreneurs.
"I turned 73 yesterday," the resident said, describing a 40-year business career that included 16 years in brand management at Ralston Purina and two decades running a strategic marketing and innovation consulting firm. "What if we started our own SCORE here in Webster Groves?" he asked, saying the pair would offer services for free and operate independently of the city.
Commission members responded positively and discussed promoting the idea at the upcoming business coffee. Staff said informational packets and a registration table at the event could include a QR code and a folder with program materials.
Why it matters: The resident framed the proposal as low-cost, volunteer-led support for small businesses that may lack access to affordable strategy and marketing advice. Commissioners noted Webster Groves has roughly 130 small businesses and said outreach at the coffee could recruit participants and volunteers.
Details and next steps: Organizers said they would likely run the program outside city operations and use the business coffee to raise awareness. Commission staff agreed to include informational materials on the coffee table and to add a QR code to any letter of invitation. No formal action or city funding was proposed at the meeting.
The commission will discuss the idea informally at future meetings and include a recap in the newsletter.
