![Pamela Chen Refresh Investments](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_1_1_250w/public/2024-10/Pamela-Chen-Refresh-Investments_0.png?itok=SyyPpqec)
Discover the inspiring journey of Refresh Investments, a financial planning and investment firm that overcame growth challenges with SCORE's guidance. In 2019, founder Pamela Chen, a skilled CPA and CFA, sought mentorship to expand her business. With SCORE mentor Bill Ehrlich's support, she built a team, developed a marketing strategy, and enhanced operational efficiencies. This led to the creation of an Advisory Board, a new website, professional webinars, and streamlined processes. In 2020, SCORE Los Angeles honored Pamela Chen and Refresh Investments at their Success Event. Pam continues to work with SCORE as she implements her growth plan for 2021 and beyond.
![Wildfire in residential area in Southern California](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_1_1_250w/public/2025-01/SCalifornia-Wildfires-GettyImages-96470791.jpg?itok=owL6ga_y)
Support for Small Businesses Affected by California Wildfires
SCORE mentors are here to support you through all business challenges. Our disaster prep and recovery hub offers essential tools, training and resources to help your business recover and remain strong through challenging times. Find information on FEMA and other resources to help your business recover, or request a mentor for personalized guidance.
Disaster assistance is now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations following the major disaster declaration. The declaration covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura due to wildfires and straight-line winds that began on January 7.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. If you have questions about disaster loans, you can call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
The Startup Roadmap
Learn everything you need to know about starting a business in this 12-module self-paced course.
Minority and Disadvantaged Business Certifications
Learn how to get certified as a Minority Business Enterprise or a disadvantaged business.
Getting Started with
E-commerce
Discover how to take your business from brick and mortar to click and order.
Simple Steps for Exiting Your Business
Learn the key steps to successfully plan and execute the sale or transition of your business with expert guidance.
Small Business Crisis Management
This course will teach you how to navigate small business crises including natural disasters, PR crises, financial downturns and more.
![QuickBooks, Small business financial management](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_4_3_250w/public/2024-03/GettyImages-1398271677.jpg?itok=weuwgbRB)
![2025 Hottest Business Ideas, Trends & Markets](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_4_3_250w/public/2024-12/GettyImages-2172276422.jpg?h=56c5938b&itok=mpLFyAkl)
![Patty Ross - E-Mail Marketing Fundamentals to Grow Your Business](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_4_3_250w/public/d7_migration/45/GettyImages-1285462760.jpg?itok=1068q_PF)
![Person finding freelancers through applications](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_4_3_250w/public/2025-01/GettyImages-1461636394.jpg?itok=Pfg9zAWw)
![Small business owner bookkeeping](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_4_3_250w/public/2023-02/GettyImages-941729686.jpg?itok=OtY641hg)
![Small Business Content Marketing](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_4_3_250w/public/2025-01/GettyImages-700980994.jpg?h=1a0c542b&itok=op9UUJMa)
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.
![SCORE clients - Real Entrepreneurs. Real Success.](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/2023-05/collage-1000x508_0.jpg?h=a36baa79&itok=BBkysSmH)
Learn more about SCORE mentoring and how it can help you reach your business goals.
![male business owner standing in his shop smiling at the camera](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/2023-12/GettyImages-1256479294.jpg?itok=_q19_Mzw)
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.
![A marketing team discussing in an open office](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/d7_migration/43/AdobeStock_247356886.jpeg?itok=MxT8C6UB)
![Young woman meditating in her home](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/d7_migration/43/AdobeStock_336318380.jpeg?itok=H7VboOGk)
![Closeup shot of a businesswoman using a cellphone in the city](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/d7_migration/57/GettyImages-1133141435.jpg?itok=X_oqbLau)
![c](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/d7_migration/54/MNSCsmallbusinessplanningeventimagetemplate.png?itok=KI6k2ym3)
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.
![Couple at a bank talking with the loan officer](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/2024-11/GettyImages-1216484247.jpg?h=244d01c8&itok=U4kIghlE)
![Asian woman creating social media videos for her business](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/2024-10/Social-Media-Tips-GettyImages-1387016477.jpg?itok=C7HAklGR)
Social media has revolutionized how businesses connect with their customers. For small business owners, it’s a powerful tool that can level the playing field, allowing them to reach new audiences, engage with customers, and build a strong brand presence—all without needing a huge marketing budget. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a small team, mastering social media is essential to your success.
In this article, we'll explore 11 top strategies and tips to help you harness the full potential of social media for your small business.
1. Define Your Social Media Goals
Before you start
![business person on phone smiling and looking at the camera](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/2022-10/SCORE%20for%20all_OG.jpg?itok=nBdxl3RO)
SCORE for All is the bridge that makes the journey to success more direct and sure-footed for entrepreneurs who need more support.
![Woman working and writing on the glass board in office.](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/d7_migration/43/AdobeStock_316503409%20%281%29.jpg?itok=m8LzVpDu)
![2 SCORE Mentors and their 2 mentees](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/2024-08/DSC06113.png?h=83b16ec1&itok=S_uB9OT6)
SCORE for All reflects SCORE's dedication to inclusivity by addressing the unique challenges faced by diverse entrepreneurs. This initiative provides tailored resources and mentorship to empower individuals from various backgrounds, ensuring equitable opportunities to succeed in business. Through personalized support, SCORE for All helps entrepreneurs overcome barriers and thrive, fostering innovation and economic growth in communities nationwide
![a lady on zoom call with livechat mentor](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/2025-01/LiveChat%20January.png?h=bc2c6da4&itok=yZOyGUM2)
Have a quick business question and need it right away? You can use our online chat to connect 1:1 with a mentor. Simply click on the chat bubble that appears on the bottom of every page. Chat mentors are available:
Mondays - Thursdays, 9 am - 5 pm ET.
![Headshot of Livechat Mentor Mark Krosse; 1080px](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_1_1_250w/public/2024-05/Mark%20Krosse%201080px.png?h=297da09b&itok=bS7LmwIn)
"I specialize in helping clients turn innovative ideas into sustainable business models, emphasizing strategy, operations, and digital technology integration, including AI. Clients love LiveChat. And I love helping clients from all 50 states on LiveChat. It is fast, convenient, and fun getting quick answers to business questions. Clients find SCORE resources amazing. I do too! Let's connect!" -Mark Krosse
Helping 17 Million Entrepreneurs achieve their dreams
SCORE proudly celebrates 60 years of helping America’s small businesses launch, grow and thrive. Since 1964, more than 17 million entrepreneurs have received support from SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Today, SCORE has a nationwide network of more than 10,000 volunteers serving all 50 U.S. states and territories, guiding entrepreneurs on their path to success.
![SCORE 60th Anniversary](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_16_9_250w/public/2024-11/SCORE-PartnerToolkit-SocialGraphics-1080x1920.jpg?itok=cL27ROS3)