Whether you’re starting, expanding or preparing to exit your business, SCORE’s experienced mentors are here to guide you - 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.
Discover how Crystal Lister is inspiring the next generation of innovators with Mommy and Me, a family-led business bringing hands-on STEM education to communities through interactive carnivals and workshops.
“SCORE helped me take my business to the next level,” Crystal shared. With their support, she refined her financials, sharpened her strategy, and scaled operations - growing revenue, expanding her customer base and reaching more families throughout SCORE Houston.
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.
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.
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.
In the dynamic landscape of today's digital economy, small businesses must constantly innovate and adapt to maintain their competitive edge. One critical yet frequently overlooked area is payment optimization. Efficiently managing incoming and outgoing payments streamlines operations and is pivotal in driving growth. By adopting modern payment technologies, small businesses can minimize manual processes, enhance security and provide customers with a seamless payment experience—ultimately unlocking greater sales potential and long-term success.
The Rise of Digital Payments
Digital payments have
Learn more about SCORE mentoring and how it can help you reach your business goals.
At SCORE, we’re committed to lifting up women business owners with targeted mentorship, tools and community support. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling to the next level, our experienced mentors and curated resources are here to help you overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.
From business planning and marketing strategy to funding guidance, leadership development and work-life integration, we guide you through every step. Together, we’ll build a stronger path forward — one where women-led businesses thrive, create impact and lead with confidence.
Use the chat bubble at the bottom of any page to connect 1:1 with a SCORE mentor for fast, practical guidance. It’s free, friendly and focused on helping you take your next step today.
Meet mentors like Mary, a former Assistant Director of the Small Business Development Center with a passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed - especially in challenging times.
With deep expertise in business planning, funding, operations, marketing and strategy, Mary supports small business owners across industries like retail, food and beverage, wellness, nonprofits and more. Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow, our LiveChat mentors are ready to help - free, personalized and just a message away.
