Originally an acronym for the Service Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE now calls itself, "Counselors to America's Small Business", mostly because many of its volunteers are not retired executives anymore.
SCORE is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in forming and growing their businesses and making them successful. SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
SCORE was founded in 1964. At last count, SCORE had 389 chapters throughout the United States and its territories, staffed by some 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors, either on a free or low-cost basis.
Here are some of the services provided by SCORE:
- Online mentoring advice on a 24/7 basis.
- Mentoring through its local chapters.
- Low-cost workshops.
- How-to" articles and templates.
- Online workshops and learning.
- Disaster preparation recovery and advice for small businesses.