First-Time Business Owner Succeeds With Bridal Fashions In Moline, IL

The quest for the perfect gown for a perfect wedding day led Penny Timmons to become the owner of a bridal and formal wear boutique in Moline, IL. Penny purchased the business when she was 28 years old and attending Black Hawk Community College, pursuing a degree in business management. With the assistance of SCORE, Penny applied for an SBA-guaranteed loan. She used the chapter's $5 business-planning disk to prepare a complete business plan, which detailed past sales history for the business and projected future growth. SCORE Counselor Dale Hankins helped her prepare her business plan - together they reviewed cost and revenue projections to develop a realistic operating budget to support operations and staff salaries.