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Tell Congress: Protect SCORE’s Funding
SCORE’s funding is vital for small businesses in every state. Congress needs to hear from you why securing funding for FY26 is critical. Your voice matters—help us continue to support entrepreneurs nationwide.
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Small Business Success Starts Here

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.

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Featured Success Story
Play With ASL

Discover how Jon Mowl is transforming the way people learn American Sign Language through Play ASL—a fun, interactive game designed to make ASL accessible for everyone. As a entrepreneur, Jon saw an opportunity to bridge gaps in communication and create a tool that empowers both Deaf and hearing communities. With guidance from his SCORE Inland Empire mentors, he turned his vision into a thriving business. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Their mentorship, network and expertise are incredibly valuable resources that can help you navigate the ups and downs of starting a business.”

Read the Full Story
Tell Congress: Protect SCORE’s Funding

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.

Contact Congress Now
Small business owners and SCORE mentors united to advocate for continued federal funding of SCORE's free mentoring and business education services.
SCORE’s Impact: Turning Support Into Success

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.

SCORE FY24 impact infographic showing four metrics: 59,447 new businesses launched, 143,623 new jobs created, 4 million volunteer hours contributed, and a $45.42 return in federal tax revenue for every $1 of federal funding. Each metric is accompanied by a simple icon.

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.

Watch Free On-Demand Sessions Now
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Online Courses
Upcoming Events
Free Templates & Resources

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.

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Empower Your Retail Business

At SCORE, we’re committed to helping your retail business thrive in today’s competitive market. Our experienced mentors offer personalized support to help you improve customer experience, optimize inventory, and boost sales both in-store and online. Whether you’re launching your first shop or expanding your retail footprint, our free resources and expert guidance are here to support your success—every step of the way.

Find Resources for Retail
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Get Business Advice Now. Chat Live With a Mentor.

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. 

 

Chat Now
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Featured Chat Mentor
Douglas Belarmino Tavares, SCORE Business Mentor

"For over three decades, I've had the privilege of helping small businesses grow, become more profitable, scale to the next level, and ultimately make a significant difference in people's lives.

Making tough decisions as a business owner isn't easy, but you don't have to face them in isolation. Count on me. My extensive experience and clear business vision can be the turning point for your company's success." -Douglas Belarmino Tavares

Browse Mentor Profiles
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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.

SCORE: 60 Years of Small Business Success

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.

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Copyright © 2025 SCORE Association, SCORE.org

Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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