SI MALL.COM

Joe Giamportone and Bret Moleta, co-founders of SIMALL.com, a Staten Island Internet firm committed to the notion that local online communities will be a powerful force driving the Internet forward. Last year Moleta and Giamportone introduced themselves to SCORE Counselor Milton Zlotnick. A few days later, the two met with Milt to review their ideas for developing a Staten Island community web site.

Designing and developing web sites for local businesses, Moleta and Giamportone had already established a reputation as professionals in the community. Under the watchful eye of SCORE counselors, the two were able to write a business plan, secure a loan, and open a web design studio. One year later, SIMALL.com is one of Staten Island's leading community web sites connecting local merchants and Internet users in new and exciting ways.

SlMALL.com provides local business owners a home for their web site online.  "All SIMALL.com members receive FREE web site hosting, promotion and marketing strategies, listing in the SIMALL.com business directory with a direct link to their web site, and preferred placement in the SIMALL.com featured merchant shopping mall. We win and grow with the local business community," says Moleta.

Recently, Zlotnick invited Giamportone to speak at a SCORE seminar sponsored by the Richmond County Savings Bank. Sixty or so small business owners and entrepreneurs were present for Giamportone's presentation on, "Opportunities for Small Business on the Web." The seminar was a resounding success resulting in invitations for other speaking engagements. "Things really seem to be moving in the right direction," Giamportone says. "Thank you Milt and SCORE for invaluable support, advise, and encouragement."

SI MALL.COM