WHAT IS SCORE?
SCORE is a nonprofit association comprised of 11,200 volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories. There are 370 SCORE chapters in urban, suburban and rural communities. SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors, advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. These services are offered at no fee, as a community service. SCORE was formed in 1964 and over 4.5 million Americans have utilized SCORE services. The Lancaster Chapter of SCORE was started in 1965 as Chapter 16.
About SCORE Services
What services does SCORE offer?
SCORE offers free counseling and low-cost workshops and seminars. Workshop topics are chosen to help address specific interests in a given community. Workshop topics put on by the Lancaster chapter have included: Developing a Business Plan, Starting A Business, Getting Funding For Your Business, Business Accounting and Financial Reports, Marketing Techniques For A Small Business, Developing a Marketing Plan, and Leadership & Management (See Workshops).
Is my business eligible to get help from SCORE?
Any small business can get SCORE counseling. Whether you are starting a business, experiencing problems, need assistance in growing or buying/selling a business, SCORE can help. All counseling is strictly personal and confidential.
How many people has SCORE helped?
Since 1964, SCORE has helped over eight million entrepreneurs and small businesses. It provides about 450,000 business services a year. In Lancaster County, SCORE counsels about 500 entrepreneurs a year.
How can SCORE help me?
In times of economic change, you must be diligent in preparing advance plans. Begin by developing a business plan with realistic sales projections and a plan to hold the line on costs. SCORE can provide advice to help you develop or update your plan.
What is meant by mentoring?
All clients, whether involved in a start up or existing business, may benefit from counseling on a one time or repeat basis. Mentoring refers to a situation where an existing business decides it needs special help on one or more aspects of its daily operations. Under these circumstances, a SCORE counselor will be assigned to establish the precise nature of the assistance required; then one or more counselors with the expertise needed will be called in to work with the client until the problem is resolved.
Are business secrets safe with SCORE?
Yes. All SCORE business counselors honor the client's right to proprietary and confidential information. Client information remains confidential. All SCORE counselors abide by an association Code of Ethics which includes protecting the confidences between client and counselor. Each year, counselors reaffirm their commitment to the SCORE Code of Ethics.
How does SCORE help women entrepreneurs?
Women now employ 11 million people and own one-third of the total number of businesses with fewer than 500 employees. SCORE is serving an increasing number of women entrepreneurs: Over 40% of SCORE's individual counseling clients are women and more than 4,000 women a month attend SCORE workshops.
How does SCORE help minority entrepreneurs?
Minority owned businesses employ more than 4.5 million people and own more than three million businesses. Nationally SCORE is serving an increasing number of minority entrepreneurs: Over 16% of SCORE's individual counseling clients are minorities and more than 1,000 minority entrepreneurs a month attend SCORE workshops.
What does it take to become a SCORE Volunteer?
SCORE counselors come from a variety of occupations and backgrounds. Many owned small businesses for years while others worked for major firms such as Armstrong, General Electric and Unilever. Their backgrounds and skill areas are widely diversified. They span all generations and minority/ethnic groups. If you feel you have the qualifications, please contact the SCORE Lancaster office (717) 397-3092 to initiate the interview process.