What is SCORE?
Founded in 1964, SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business works specifically to help people start their own small businesses. With SCORE, entrepreneurs can access free counseling and a wide range of information for starting their small business. SCORE is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Herndon, Virginia and Washington, DC, with 389 chapters throughout the United States. They are a resource partner of the government's Small Business Association. (SBA)

SCORE is primarily run by volunteers, which consist of working and retired business executives and small business owners. With the experience and knowledge of the business world and small business setup and development, they are able volunteer as business counselors.
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. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

What can SCORE do?
About 8 million small businesses have been helped by SCORE. But what exactly do they do? SCORE provides the following services:

• An online chat mentoring service that is available 24/7. You can ask advice about any subject by accessing their website.


• Counseling and mentoring. Meet with one of the volunteers to discuss your options and get startup advice or other business related information. There are 389 offices throughout the country, so chances are you will find one close to you.


• Workshops. SCORE also offers business startup and development workshops across the country for small fees.


• Large library of online how to articles, advice, and business templates to help you with all aspects of starting and running a business.


• Large website. SCORE's website has many resources. Read articles, ask questions via live chat, look up a SCORE office in your area, read business columns, take quizzes, and more with their website.


• Special resources for women. Women who would like to start their own business face unique challenges. SCORE also has a special section on their website with information targeted specifically towards women and the unique needs they have when running a business.

How can I access SCORE services?
It's a good idea to take advantage of SCORE's one-on-one business counseling. Even if you don't have anything more than an idea, the volunteers can help you through all aspects of a business. They are particularly useful when it comes to handling all of the startup things like business plans, raising money or financing your business, and knowing what type of business (LLC, proprietorship, etc.) is right for you.

Their website is also an excellent source for those looking for business startup advice. If you don't have an office near you, you can still get advice through their chat. The online library of articles is also very helpful, regardless of what type of information you are searching for. All of the services are free of charge.

There are many things you will need to do as you start your own business. SCORE is an excellent resource for business startup advice.