The local Sandhills Chapter of SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business) is continuing its free seminar series this fall with its popular "How to Write a Business Plan" seminar Saturday, Oct. 3.

The seminar, to be held in Room 103 of Van Dusen Hall at Sandhills Community College, begins at 9 a.m. Registration is required and may be done by calling 695-3938 or e-mailing neelym@sandhills.edu. There will also be an opportunity for registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the seminar.

The business plan seminar is a key element of the six-part "Business Basics" series jointly sponsored by SCORE and the Small Business Center of Sandhills Community College.

A business plan is essential for a lender to make an informed judgment about the potential for success of the business.

A smiling face and an optimistic attitude will not take the place of a carefully constructed business plan when a business owner is seeking financing, SCORE said in a news release. A good plan is essential to the business owner because it provides a road map for making the business successful.

This seminar is filled with real-world examples as well as take-home handouts, and provides the equipment to make a good plan a winner.

"Failing to plan is planning to fail!" a spokesman said. "Improve the chances of success of your business by attending this seminar and using the concepts presented."

SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit association of experienced business people who provide free and confidential business counseling to small business owners.

In addition to counseling by appointment, the Sandhills chapter of SCORE has members available for drop-in service, for those who have registered at www.edmisscore.org/0364, from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Fridays at the Moore County Chamber of Commerce building on U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines. The phone number there is 692-3936.

More information on SCORE's counseling activity and a complete description of each seminar can be found at the Sandhills SCORE Web site, www.sandhillsscore.org.