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 how Mommy and Me is reshaping the future of STEM education for young learners. Founder Marnita Sandifer combined her passion for early childhood development with a drive to make STEM accessible to all. With support from her SCORE mentors, she refined her business model, developed effective marketing strategies, and captured the top prize at the SCORE Houston Pitch Event. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? "If you're looking to take your business to the next level, SCORE will help you get there with the right tools, resources and strategies to move forward confidently".
Small businesses depend on SCORE’s support — and we depend on yours.
SCORE is a lifeline for entrepreneurs in every state, providing free mentoring and resources to over 300,000 small business owners each year. But this work is only possible with federal funding. Congress is deciding now whether to allocate $17 million for SCORE in FY26. Your voice can help ensure we continue delivering this vital support. Tell lawmakers why SCORE matters. #StandWithSCORE - This campaign is funded exclusively by the SCORE Foundation, without the use of federal funds.
National Small Business Week Virtual Summit 2025 | Now On Demand
Watch free on-demand educational sessions from the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit produced by SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Gain practical tips and insights to help improve your business and guide your entrepreneurial journey.
Small Business Disaster Recovery Resources
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.
Low-interest disaster loans are available to help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes recover from declared disasters.
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.
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.
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.
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
Learn more about SCORE mentoring and how it can help you reach your business goals.
Sometimes, a new market opportunity creates rapid business growth. Other times, growth comes more gradually. Just ask Matt Zorn, president of Zorn Compressor & Equipment, a family-owned company based in the Midwest.
“We’ve been growing steadily for more than 60 years, but it hasn’t always happened at the same pace,” says Zorn. “While our fundamentals have remained the same, we’ve had to adapt and innovate as our customer needs change.”
Is your business primed for growth? Before you explore new opportunities, Zorn offers five important things to consider.
- Understand the numbers. It's not enough to
Discover tools, guides, and expert advice to help you confidently shift from employee to entrepreneur. This hub connects you with the critical resources, strategies, and support you need to turn your business idea into reality. Let SCORE show you the path forward—every step of the way.
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.
At SCORE, we’re committed to helping aspiring entrepreneurs confidently make the leap from employee to business owner. Our Employee to Entrepreneur Resource Hub is carefully designed to guide you from the earliest stages of planning to long-term success. Access essential tips, proven strategies, and expert mentorship as you transform your professional journey. Join us, and let’s empower your transition to entrepreneurship—one step at a time.
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.
"My 32-year career in high tech manufacturing, marketing, and program management means I can offer experienced advice in many of your company's functional areas, including HR and IT projects. Finally, I know financial statements, accounting and accounting systems, which are often a mystery to small business owners. For a non-profit, I have been on the boards of both local and national organizations and will assist you in identifying your clients, build funding, recruit board members and qualified employees. I'll help train you to understand your numbers and better manage your business." -Spencer Bader
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.
