C. Dean Kring, Director of Research, SCA

SCA provides on-the-job-training for early stage business owners and emerging entrepreneurs with a Rapid Growth System*.

The chapter weekly meeting is a workshop, operated by co-op associates as a model small business. It's "product" is a fast-paced and high-powered business development event, with an engaging format, motivational speakers, self-introductions and referrals.

On the macro scale, it's an economic development project. It produces stronger, healthier companies, demonstrating self-sufficiency while serving a genuine need in the community.

On the micro scale, it's an individual learning tool. It teaches the entrepreneur "business ownership and management" skills in a practical, non-classroom environment.

The SCA was one of the early pioneers to accept that "education was no longer confined to schools" (Tom Peters) and "the health of our free enterprise system is dependent upon the vitality of our emerging businesses" (C. Dean Kring).

The methodology was designed in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency and leading professional educators (in continuing, adult and vocational education) as a delivery system for the needs common to all early stage business owners:

1. Market Expansion: sales, customers, clients, contacts, referrals, patrons, investors;
2. Business Development: profits, a stronger company, management systems, producing a better bottom line;
3. Entrepreneurial Education: identifying the niche in the marketplace, positioning, understanding and operating at risk, and the audacity to be in one's own business;
4. Professional Growth: polish, communication, leadership, and team playing skills.

After more than two years of preparation, the co-op launched the first chapter meeting March 15, 1983 with 14 companies present.  As of October 20, 2010, more than 43,900 companies have attended SCA events, in excess of 35,800 business referrals have been recorded and more than several hundreds of millions in revenues have been generated.

The co-op has received national and international acclaim for its many accomplishments, including sponsoring the first business incubator in Houston, the oldest business incubator in Texas and the first Womens Business Center in the nation.

All without one dime of public funding.

To see highlights of what SCA has accomplished, click here.

To see all the business incubators that SCA has sponsored, click here.

To establish an SCA chapter in your community, click here.

To learn how SCA might benefit your company or community, email service@servicesca.org.

*Service Mark of Services Cooperative Association

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