Volunteering with SCORE

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, is an organization that pairs retirees with entrepreneurs who need help getting their business started or running better. Join Suzanne today as she meets a SCORE volunteer and a couple who benefited from SCORE counseling when starting their business.

SCORE provides guidance through a national network of chapters, strategic alliances and a parthership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its mission is to strengthen the local and national economy though the creation of successful small businesses.

According to guest David E. Fisher, more than 11,000 men and women donate their time with SCORE nationwide, counseling more than 3,000 people a year. Volunteers participate in a training program and undergo a probation period. They are then tested to make sure they have the necessary skills to help others in the business world. All adhere to a strict code of ethics that includes complete confidentiality of matters discussed.

SCORE's experienced business experts provide general business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash flow management, to developing a small business advisory board. Assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs may involve investigating the market potential for a product or service and assessing the capital needs to start a business. Counselors can provide insight into how to start a business, operate a business, buy a business or franchise and sell a business.

The Santiagos, owners or Santiago's Coffee and Tea Shop in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, started their business with the help of a SCORE volunteer. The volunteer helped them in areas where they had little experience, such as lease negotiation. The advice they received through SCORE gave their now successful business a solid foundation from which to build and flourish.

If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents with SCORE, call 1-800-634-0245 or visit the website listed below.