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Our hearts go out to those affected by the recent wildfires. If you need help, SCORE mentors are here for you. You can also apply for disaster assistance at SBA.gov.
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SCORE Silicon Valley
Free Business Planning, Marketing, and Managing Advice & Guidance from our 60+ Mentors

Our strong network of mentors help small business owners who lack time, expertise & strategy by supporting them with the right resources to Start, Manage & Grow their Business Successfully.

Find Your Mentor Take a Workshop or Seminar
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14 Tax Preparation Resources for Small Businesses

From researching American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) listings to taking a free course from the Small Business Administration (SBA), there are several small business resources to help you prepare and conquer tax season. 
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Independent Financial Audits

Why and When a Startup Should Consider a Financial Audit

In this discussion, we'll delve into the significance of independent financial audits for private companies, the ideal stage for their implementation, the revenue thresholds that might trigger the need for an audit and related considerations. 
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Small Business Taxes

12 Small Business Tax-Saving Strategies

To help small business owners and entrepreneurs save taxes through legitimate and easy ways, we asked experienced entrepreneurs and financial advisors this question for their best strategies. 
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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.


 

Vanessa Founder, Vivid Cat Design

“With the guidance of my SCORE Mentors, Arik Paran and Bruce Kleinman, I refined my business plan and considered how to best serve my target audience. I felt overwhelmed with all the tasks and decisions I had on my plate, but after speaking with my mentors I was able to shift priorities and clarify my path a bit more. I felt that my concerns were understood during our calls, and it's nice to have mentors to bounce ideas off of and not feel so alone in the process of building my business. We started off strong and now that I've officially launched my website, I'm looking forward to having their guidance and advice for a smoother transition from freelancer to business owner. I have confidence that the added accountability and mentoring sessions will help me build positive and confident momentum in my business.”

Vanessa,

Founder, Owner of Vivid Cat Design, a design company that tailors to your unique needs
Donna Carroll Founder and CEO of ALIXIR DANCE

“As soon as I started working with Rob, I knew he'd be key to helping guide me to re-launch my 14 year dance event business. Rob asked the right questions to fully understand my business, and then we got to work. He's been consistently working with me to rebuild a business that's even stronger\ than the one that had to pause due to covid. Rob's guidance and expertise is a true gift, not only to me, but to the thousands who benefit from my business. I am unbelievably grateful for SCORE and all you do to help us entrepreneurs change the world!”

Donna Carroll,

Founder and CEO of ALIXIR DANCE
Natalia Benz Owner of Ultralight Lean Solutions

“I was in the planning stage of opening a consulting firm when I reached out to SCORE Silicon Valley. My Business Mentor, Paul Barsley, was very knowledgeable and seemed genuinely interested in helping me. The information I received was very valuable. We reviewed registering a new business with my local county, getting set up for accounting, and the best way to perform market research. It was great to talk with someone who has been through this before. I felt this was a good use of my time and feel better prepared to start my business!”

Natallia Benz,

Owner of Ultralight Lean Solutions
Ruoyu Loughry of Loughry CPA

"My mentors are always willing to help with their years of experience and wisdom. They ask very good questions to get me brainstorming, and then help me pull back my thought train to stay focused. Everytime, they summarize our conversation, and leave me homework for the next meeting. With Bill and Larry, I am growing business, challenging my own limits, and contributing more with confidence. I strongly recommend business owners come to SCORE to get help. As you start or grow your business, SCORE will be along the way to support you."

Ruoyu Loughry,

Owner, Loughry CPA
Danielle Seybold

"My mentor, Paul Barsley, far exceeded my expectations for navigating the logistics of how to set up a business. He even gave me great advice for how to make that business successful - including marketing and business planning advice."

Danielle P Seybold,

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Patience Buckwalter, founder of Grape Leaf Café and Empowerment Center

“Rob Gelphman was able to support by helping me rethink priorities, set goals, and focus. Rob was delighted by our product, and his enthusiasm was wonderful fuel, especially during stressful times. His unique combination of humor, libanility, experience and thoughtful coaching was a huge asset to our business. I would not hesitate to recommend SCORE mentoring for anyone I know who needs business support. It is an invaluable offering to this community, and I am impressed and grateful for the generosity.”

James Brake,

Co-Founder and Executive Director, NourishBot
Business Owner and SCORE Mentor working together at desk
Small Business Resource Hubs

SCORE empowers all entrepreneurs to succeed.

We believe that anyone can start a small business with the right support. We also know that the path to success may vary based on where you are in your business journey.

SCORE is here to help with curated resources for all entrepreneurs. 

Visit Small Business Resource Hubs
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Impact Your Community

Since 1964, SCORE has educated and mentored more than 11 million small business owners and entrepreneurs. We're looking for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to serve in a variety of roles — from knowledgeable business mentors to local community advocates. 

Become a Volunteer
Upcoming Events
Weekend CEO: From Ideation to Production in 30 Minutes 250218

Weekend CEO: From Ideation to Production in 30 Minutes

In just 30 minutes, transform your business idea into a fully functional, AI-powered reality. 


“Weekend CEO” is a fast-paced, hands-on event that takes you from concept to execution. Using cutting-edge AI tools, you’ll build a live website, create content, and set up a marketing funnel—all designed to convert leads into customers. You’ll also learn to automate key business processes, giving you more time to focus on growth.


Key Takeaways:

  • From Concept to Live Business: Bring your idea to life by building a website and marketing funnel in one
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(408) 453-6237

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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