For those looking to start or grow a small business in the Eighth District, a fertile source of knowledge is only a phone call away. The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a volunteer program sponsored by the Small Business Administration. Retired executives with backgrounds in accounting, banking, government procurement, marketing, retail and other fields offer free general advice to small business owners in need of assistance.

In-depth counseling and training in a variety of subjects is provided--identifying basic management problems, reviewing distribution channels, evaluating expansion and modification of products, etc. A nominal fee is charged for training programs. SCORE offices are available in all seven states in the St. Louis Fed's District, including the following locations:

Arkansas

Hot Springs (501) 321-1700

Little Rock (501) 324-5893

Pine Bluff (870) 535-7189

Illinois

Carbondale (618) 453-6654

Godfrey (618) 467-2280

Quincy (217) 222-8093

Indiana

Evansville (812) 426-6144

New Albany (812) 945-0266

Kentucky

Louisville (502) 582-5976

Paducah (502) 442-5685

Mississippi

Greenville (601) 378-3141

Missouri

Mexico (573) 581-2765

Neelyville (573) 989-3577

St. Louis (314) 539-6970

St. Peters (314) 928-2900

Tennessee

Jackson (901) 423-2200

Memphis (901) 544-3588