Make this your best business year yet. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling operations or planning your exit strategy, SCORE's experienced mentors are here to help you succeed at no cost. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and faster growth.
Enter your ZIP code to connect with a free SCORE mentor near you today.
Explore curated resources by stage - choose a hub to find practical next steps, tools and guidance.
Starting a business can be overwhelming. SCORE can help you find your footing. Get resources, training, and mentoring to get your business up and running.
Your business can change over time; you might have new goals you want to achieve, or you may face new challenges. Take advantage of mentors and tools to run and grow your business.
Occasionally you move on from something you built from the ground up, or perhaps you are handing off your hard work to someone else. In either scenario, SCORE has resources and mentors available to help ease the transition or exit from your business.
Discover how Blue Wrench Truck & Auto Repair’s new owners used SCORE mentoring to confidently grow a 30-year-old, multi-location auto business. Shortly after acquiring the shop in April 2022, they connected with SCORE Idaho mentors Dave and Don, who offered “actionable suggestions that immediately improved our business” and guided them away from a risky government contracting path toward more strategic growth opportunities.
“SCORE’s mentors provide actionable, unbiased advice … It has made a noticeable impact on my business and has taken a lot of stress of business ownership away, knowing I am not alone on the journey.” - Paul Westhart, Blue Wrench
SCORE Idaho mentor, David Callon brings experience in franchising, restaurant management and operations, small company management, sales and marketing, business management and construction. He can help you clarify and focus your business goals, and serve as a practical sounding board as you make key decisions.
Collaborate with SCORE mentors like David to navigate your business journey with greater confidence and a clearer path to growth.
The Startup Roadmap outlines each step in starting a business with detailed information and resources. And with SCORE, you don’t have to do it alone.
This 3-part course will help you plan the next stage for your business, for yourself and for generations to come.
Learn how to navigate common small business crises including natural disasters, economic downturns, PR crises, and more.
The Getting Started with Small Business eCommerce learning course guides your journey from brick and mortar to click and order.
Leverage these free templates and resources to propel your business toward success, while complementing your journey with the guidance of a SCORE Mentor, ensuring a well-rounded strategy for achieving your business goals. With the right tools and expert guidance, your business can thrive and reach new heights.
Download our easy-to-use business planning, finance, sales, marketing, and management templates to help you plan for a new business or grow your existing business.
SCORE mentoring is a free, confidential service for anyone starting, running, or growing a U.S.-based small business. Work one-on-one or in a small group with an experienced business mentor who will listen to your goals, ask thoughtful questions, and share practical advice based on real-world experience.
You’ll be matched with a mentor based on your business needs and can meet virtually, by phone, email, or in person. Together, you’ll tackle specific challenges - from starting up and managing cash flow to hiring, marketing, or planning your exit - and create an action plan for your next steps. You can return to your mentor as often as you need, for the life of your business.
Each year, SCORE volunteers across the country help entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses. The result? A ripple effect of economic growth and job creation nationwide.
In FY24 alone, SCORE supported:
- The launch of 59,447 new small businesses
- The creation of 143,623 new jobs
- The contribution of 4 million volunteer hours — the equivalent of more than four centuries of expert mentoring
- A $45.42 return in new federal tax revenue for every $1 of federal funding
These outcomes show that SCORE is more than just mentoring — it’s a smart investment in America’s small business community.
