Don’t Tap Out, Tap Into SCORE.org

Being in business isn’t for the fainthearted.  Fortunately, there’s an accessible, low cost to no cost source of tips, tools, and business mentoring available through the SCORE Association.  So, before you tap out or get knocked out, tap in to SCORE.org

 

Whether you are already in business, or just thinking about it; one of your key resources should SCORE.org

But what is the SCORE Association?

SCORE, America’s premier source of free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs and small businesses, is a nonprofit association with 354 SCORE offices across the country offering free business mentoring and low-cost workshops. For 47 years, SCORE’s more than 13,000 working and retired business professionals have volunteered to support the success of small business nationwide. SCORE business mentoring is free and confidential. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

What kind of mentoring does SCORE provide?

SCORE’s experienced business mentors provide general business advice on every aspect of business planning, start-up, management and growth. SCORE provides both in-person and online mentoring to entrepreneurs just getting started or in need of a seasoned pro as a sounding board for their existing businesses.

Does SCORE offer services other than business mentoring?

Yes. SCORE chapters provide business workshops and seminars on topics customized to the needs of the local business community. In all communities, SCORE offices advocate the need for business planning and offer an introduction to the fundamentals of a business plan. Workshop and seminar fees generally range from $20 to $75, depending on the type of materials included and program length.  For established businesses, SCORE offers in-depth training on topics such as customer service, hiring practices, using the Internet for business, marketing, home-based business operations and many other issues.

What qualifies SCORE volunteers to give business advice?

The key qualification SCORE mentors bring is real-world business experience. They are working and retired business owners, executives and managers who have been through the same challenges and decisions that many entrepreneurs are facing today. In addition, SCORE business mentors offer valuable expertise in specific industries. All SCORE volunteers receive specialized training offered by the association.

Are business secrets safe with SCORE?

Yes. All SCORE mentors honor the client’s right to proprietary and confidential information. All discussions and documents remain confidential. Each year, SCORE mentors reaffirm their commitment to protecting the privacy of client information by signing the association’s code of ethics.

What is the SCORE Small Business Web Site?

Since 1997, SCORE has offered a leading online business resource for entrepreneurs: www.score.org.

This site is a comprehensive small business resource, including Ask SCORE─SCORE’s 24/7 email mentoring service.  Entrepreneurs can use Ask SCORE to search a database of more than 1,200 SCORE online counselors with a combined knowledge of more than 600 business backgrounds. SCORE’s Web site also offers “how-to” guides, small business quizzes and a business toolbox with information and practical solutions for overcoming business obstacles.

How can I contact SCORE for business assistance?

1. Call 1-800/634-0245 and ask for the phone number of your nearest SCORE office.

2. Visit www.score.org to search for a mentor by specialty that can provide online advice.

3. Visit www.score.org and click “Find Your Local Chapter” to enter your ZIP code in the search field for the nearest SCORE offices.

4. Email contact.score@score.org with your location or ZIP code, and SCORE will reply with local contact information.

5.  Or connect with the Billings Montana chapter via their Synergy Station business directory listing.