SCORE can help you start, grow or successfully exit a business. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth.
Enter your ZIP code to find a free SCORE business mentor today.
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.
Support for Small Businesses Affected by the 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.
SBA 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: Your Guide to Successfully Starting a Business
SCORE offers free online learning: Our self-paced learning provides an opportunity for you to learn valuable business skills.
Fundamentals of Financial Literacy for Black-Owned Businesses
Gain essential financial tools and insights to build a strong foundation for your business, with resources tailored specifically for Black entrepreneurs.
Supplier Diversity: Understanding Minority Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Certifications
Discover how supplier diversity and certifications can open doors to new opportunities for minority and disadvantaged business owners.
Getting Started with
E-commerce
The Getting Started with Small Business eCommerce learning course guides your journey 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.
Online Marketing for Small Business Owners
How to brand your business, top tips for choosing the right domain name, best practices for building your website and ways to leverage social media for growth.
Small Business Crisis Management
This online course will teach you how to navigate common small business crises that your business might face over time.
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.
Learn more about SCORE mentoring and how it can help you reach your business goals.
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.
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.
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
SCORE for All is the bridge that makes the journey to success more direct and sure-footed for entrepreneurs who need more support.
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
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.
"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.
