SCORE: Service Corps of Retired Executives

S.C.O.R.E., the Service Corps of Retired Executives Association, defines its 10,500 experienced entrepreneurs, corporate manager and executive volunteers as "Counselors to America's Small Business," offering the best sources of free and confidential small business advice to help you build your business from start-up to mature success. The SCORE Association is dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.

In place since 1964 and partnered with the Small Business Association, on-site S.C.O.R.E. volunteers located at 389 chapter offices across the United States provide free one-on-one business counseling and advice to all types of businesses, at various stages of development.

The S.C.O.R.E. Web site is extensive and offers a great many resources for the entrepreneur and established business owner, including:

• Women,
• Minorities,
• Hispanic,
• Young under 35 years of age,
• Veterans

Since 1995, this program now has more than 1,200 E-mail counselors offering small business advice. You can contact one by clicking on this link E-Mail, and ask questions on a 24/7 basis, usually receiving an answer within 48 hours.

You Can Find A S.C.O.R.E. Local Chapter Web site through this link. In 2004, S.C.O.R.E. conducted more than 109,000 E-Mail sessions. It’s a great program that operates on your busy schedule.

60-Second Guides

Condensed information blocks offering 60-second solutions to business challenges written in English and Spanish. Areas covered include referrals, collections, developing business ideas, marketing plans and strategy, pricing, employee recruiting, establishing credit, customer service, financing, coaches and mentors, publicity, loans, hiring and firing, employee training, time management and cash flow.

Top Five Business Tips

Quick tips on business planning, E-Business, Financing and Capital management, Human Resources, Leadership, Legal, Marketing, Public Relations, Management, Sales, Customer Service, taxes and training.

Reading Room

Detailed information on Planning, Disaster Assistance, E-Business, Financing, Capital, management, Human Resources, Leadership, Legal, Marketing, Public Relations, Management, Sales, Customer Service, taxes and training.

Business Toolbox

Offers information on Small Biz Power Links, Templates,, Financing Guides. Internet Marketing, Business Plans, Online Workshops, SCORE Business Quizzes, Financial Tools and an IRS Online Classroom.

Alliances with other organization adds power to SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) in turn passed on to its members. Here are just a few:

Ford Motor Company

Co-sponsors A national competition for business plans with a $100,000 grand prize, and $50,000 of that will be used to implement the winning concept.

The National Business Association

Aids small businesses in the achievement of personal as well as professional goals by providing the needed resources and information.

Offices2Share.com

Provides thousands of resources for offices available throughout the country on a short-term basis. These offices are affordable and completely furnished.

The Veterans Corporation

Provides resources and business counseling to Veteran business owners.

PR Newswire

Complimentary memberships to PR Newswire include:

• ProfNet
• PR Newswire PR Toolkit which contains tips and resources to help write press releases

There’s nothing like success stories and testimonials from those that have gone before to help boost your morale. Check these out at Success Stories.

Tap into the network at SCORE locator.

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