Free advice hours for entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs can get free advice about a range of issues every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at a newly relaunched Office Hours networking event.

The ABQid business accelerator, the SCORE network of volunteer business mentors and other partner organizations will provide weekly one-on-one assistance and networking opportunities at the WESST Enterprise Center Downtown, 609 Broadway NE.

“We’re relaunching it now at WESST with our partners,” said ABQid Business and Finance Development Director Harold Lavender. “It will be the same as before, with seasoned entrepreneurs and specialists in everything from accounting and marketing to legal issues and public-relations strategies on hand to provide assistance and advice. It’s all free for people to just walk in and meet with the experts to discuss issues.”

Apart from advice and mentoring, participants can learn about funding opportunities available to start and grow businesses, and build connections with members of the startup ecosystem.

ABQid directors and board members will also be on hand to discuss the accelerator’s nonprofit programs for entrepreneurs, and its for-profit seed investment fund, Lavender said.

Attending personnel will greet drop-ins, learn about their issues and needs and connect them with the right experts for one-on-one chat sessions. Participants will be encouraged to rotate among various subject specialists to get broad insight and feedback on the issues they face.