Originally launched in 2007, the "Small Business Speed Coaching" series offers small business owners exclusive, 30-minute, one-on-one evaluation sessions with experienced business mentors from SCORE. In addition, problem-solving workshops will focus on areas that directly affect small business growth including strategic planning, effective marketing and business finances; the speed coaching events also allow small business owners to ask questions on a variety of topics ranging from surviving the current economy to government contracting opportunities.

Despite the down economy, more than three quarters of entrepreneurs believe managing through the recession has made them better business owners, according to the American Express OPEN® Small Business Monitor, a semi-annual survey of business owners. However, the current economic environment remains a source of concern for small business owners with just four in ten entrepreneurs having an optimistic outlook on near-term business prospects.

"Business owners operating in the current economy require increased support from trusted partners who can lend their expertise on key business issues," said Marcy Shinder, vice president of brand strategy & marketing at American Express OPEN. "In light of the economy, the Speed Coaching events offered by OPEN and SCORE are more important than ever in helping small business owners across the country manage through these turbulent times."

"Last year's events were hugely successful and highly valued by small business owners," says Ken Yancey, SCORE CEO. "We are pleased to have the returning support of American Express OPEN as we extend the reach of this year's program and help even more small business owners tap the resources they need to succeed."

Applying key learnings
The 2009 Speed Coaching program is designed to help participants identify areas of improvement and create new avenues of growth for their businesses. Below are eight areas of focus that SCORE counselors and American Express OPEN have developed to help improve business functions:

1. Build on existing customers. It's easier and more profitable to sell something to an existing customer than to find a new one.
2. Provide employee incentives. Every employee must be mindful of costs and performance. Use pay-for-performance incentives or offer a reward for ideas that save the company money.
3. Use down-time wisely. Invest extra time in building a Web site or making necessary facility repairs to give your business an edge when the economy gains force. Scope available talent or office space while times are lean.
4. Manage cash flow. Stay on top of accounts receivable and consider using a charge card to control business spending and expenses.
5. Review vendor relationships. An audit should be done annually and is very important in slow economic times since your needs and discounts can change.
6. Overhaul collections. To speed payment, research and understand the billing preferences and procedures of each client.
7. Register your business. Register with commercial bureaus like Dun and Bradstreet and the Small Business Financial Exchange to make it easier for card issuers to confirm you are an established business.
8. Clean up financials. Review your company profile and credit report regularly and immediately address any issues, mistakes or irregularities in order to maintain your credit score.

2009 Event Schedule
SCORE and OPEN will host Small Business Speed Coaching events in the below markets nationwide:

5/06: Salt Lake City, Utah
5/11: New York, N.Y.
5/12: Orange County, Calif.
6/19: DC Convention Center, Baltimore, Md. & Washington, D.C.
6/23: Portland, Ore.
6/26: Tampa, Fla.
TBD: Chicago, Ill.

More information about the events is available online at www.score.org/OPEN_events.html.

In addition to meeting with a SCORE mentor at the event, attendees will learn about local SCORE resources and they can continue mentoring sessions in the future.

Registration is free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis at www.score.org/OPEN_events.html. A maximum of two people per company may attend the event. Limit one coaching session per business. All attendees are eligible to participate in the coaching, workshops and luncheon.

About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" has helped more than 8.3 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 11,200 volunteer business counselors in 370 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses. For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org.

About American Express OPEN(SM)
American Express OPEN is dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners and their companies. OPEN supports business owners with exceptional service. With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their business. Specifically, business owner customers can leverage an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings, including charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital, robust online account management capabilities and savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners. To obtain more information about OPEN(SM), visit OPEN.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a card. Terms and conditions apply.

American Express Company www.americanexpress.com is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.