The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) provides free resources and expertise to maximize the success of existing and emerging small businesses.
The Small Business Act was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created at that time as the law said the federal government "should aid, counsel, assist and project the interests of small business."
With counseling small business in management practices written into law, many independent groups began forming across the nation. Volunteers were providing low-cost or free business counseling.
During the 1970s, SCORE chapters were officially formed and the organization expanded its services to include workshops and seminars on many business topics.
In 1996, SCORE began offering small business advice via email to meet the entrepreneur's need to have service on an around-the-clock basis.
Business consultants can cost an entrepreneur hundreds of dollars for business advice. At SCORE, counseling is always free of charge. The volunteers are comprised of executives and successful entrepreneurs offering their time and talent. Whether you need help preparing your business plan or want advice on importing/exporting products, each SCORE mentor will work one-on-one with you advising on a full range of business topics.
Personal Q&A: Use the Ask SCORE site for business advice online. Just email your question and one of the volunteers in will reply.
Local Chapters: Most communities have a local SCORE Chapter enabling you to meet with a counselor in person. They offer low-cost business workshops and seminars for both start-up and in-business entrepreneurs. These workshops also offer a chance to network with other local small business owners.
