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SCORE is headquartered in Herndon, VA and Washington, DC and has 389 chapters throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors. SCORE was founded in 1964.

SCORE’s Mission
SCORE provides resources and expertise to maximize the success of existing and emerging small businesses.

SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business”
Small business success across America is SCORE’s mission. Since 1964, SCORE volunteers have donated their expertise in more than 600 skill areas to aid entrepreneurs.

7.9 million entrepreneurs have been counseled by SCORE or attended SCORE workshops. With 389 offices for face-to-face mentoring and Ask SCORE for online advice, SCORE serves the needs of today’s entrepreneurs.

History

SCORE mentors entrepreneurs through one-to-one business advising sessions on a full range of business topics. In the 1970s, when SCORE chapters were formed, SCORE expanded its services to offer workshops and seminars on a variety of business issues. In 1996, SCORE ventured online and began providing small business advice via email to meet the entrepreneur’s need to have service on an around-the-clock basis.

How SCORE Works

SCORE offers free and confidential advice to small business owners through face-to-face counseling, online counseling, online workshops and more. At SCORE, business mentoring is always free-of-charge. At many offices, consultants charge $100-$500 per hour, but SCORE offers its business consultations free of charge. Our volunteers donate their time and talent. As a nonprofit association, we bring Fortune 500 executives and successful entrepreneurs to your team as mentors. Get confidential mentoring.

Mentoring

Business mentoring relationships can last just a few sessions or a number of years, based on your needs as an entrepreneur. Prepare for your mentoring session by arriving with a well-thought-out idea, preliminary business plan and other information that will help you maximize your one-on-one consultation. SCORE volunteers sometimes counsel in teams, bringing a specific strength to the table. Mentors may be available to visit you at your place of business to learn about your venture and concerns.

Workshops & Seminars

Local SCORE chapters offer low-cost business workshops and seminars for both start-up and in-business entrepreneurs. Training covers a variety of topics, from writing a business plan to importing/exporting to e-commerce. Workshops also offer a chance to network with local, small business owners.

Get to know us better by checking out our Top 5 FAQs.

1. Why is SCORE advice free and confidential?

SCORE’s goal is to help you live your dream. SCORE volunteers are successful entrepreneurs and executives who love business and want to share their knowledge with you, so you can succeed too.

2. Who are SCORE volunteers?

SCORE is a nonprofit group of 10,500 volunteers across the country who have been in your shoes. Take advantage of their expertise through face-to-face and online counseling. Learn more about volunteers.

3. How do I access SCORE’s services?

To get free, online counseling 24/7, Ask SCORE. Input keywords to find a counselor who matches your business needs.

To find a counselor near you for free face-to-face counseling, Find SCORE to contact your local SCORE office.

4. Is there a limit to how many times I can Ask SCORE?

There is no limit to the amount of times you can Ask SCORE or access other SCORE services. Maintain a mentor relationship with one of our counselors, or try out different counselors each time to find the right fit or to find answers to specific questions.

5. How does SCORE work with the SBA?