FAQs
Entrepreneurship is vital to the growth of America’s economy. However, small business ownership is not without challenges. SCORE’s goal is to help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles in order to successfully start and grow their businesses. The experienced mentors at SCORE provide invaluable insights, resources and know-how to help entrepreneurs live their dreams of business ownership.
What Is The SCORE Association?
SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. Founded in 1964, the organization now has nearly 400 chapters throughout the United States and its territories, with over 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as business counselors.
Why is SCORE advice free and confidential?
SCORE's mentoring is free because it is a nonprofit organization and its business counselors are volunteers. These individuals are successful entrepreneurs and executives who love business and want to share their knowledge, so that others can succeed too.
Who are SCORE volunteers?
SCORE has approximately 10,500 volunteers nationwide comprised of both working and retired executives and business owners who donate their time and expertise as business mentors. All mentors honor a code of ethics that ensures client confidentiality and professional conduct.
Is there a limit to how many times someone can Ask SCORE for advice?
There is no limit to the amount of times you can ask SCORE or access other SCORE services. Build a relationship with one of our mentors or try out different counselors each time to find the right fit or to find answers to diverse questions.
How does SCORE work with the SBA?
SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA and promotes small business through free education, training and counseling.
Is my business eligible for SCORE assistance?
Any small business is eligible to obtain SCORE help. If you are considering starting a business you are eligible as well. SCORE supports for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Does SCORE provide loans or grants for businesses?
No. Neither SCORE nor the SBA provide funding for businesses. SCORE provides business assistance to small business in the form of advice, counsel and training. The SBA assists business by helping to guarantee loans provided by lending organizations like banks.
Will SCORE help develop my business plan?
Yes. Your business plan, to be successful, needs to be developed by you and the leadership of your business. SCORE provides full support for developing a plan including training, business plan formats and content and will work with you step by step to create your plans suitable for bank applications.
Can I get SCORE help via Email?
Yes. SCORE provides, through its national website, an email counseling support with access to counselors located throughout the USA. Log onto www.SCORE.org to gain access.