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SCORE is a nonprofit association comprised of 11,500 volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories. There are 389 SCORE chapters in urban, suburban and rural communities. SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors, advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. These services are offered at no fee, as a community service. SCORE was formed in 1964 and over 4.5 million Americans have utilized SCORE services.

About SCORE Services

What services does SCORE offer?
SCORE offers free counseling and low-cost workshops and seminars. Workshop topics are chosen to help address specific interests in a given community. Workshop topics put on by the NYC chapter have included: Developing Your Business Plan, Starting and Operating Your Own Business, Getting Financing For Your Business, Basic Business Accounting, Marketing Techniques for your Small Business. (See About SCORE Workshops)

Is my business eligible to get help from SCORE?
Any small business can get SCORE counseling. Whether you are starting a business, experiencing problems, need assistance in growing or buying/selling a business, SCORE can help. All counseling is strictly personal and confidential.

How many people has SCORE helped?
Since 1964, SCORE has helped over seven million entrepreneurs and small businesses. It provides about 450,000 business services a year. In NYC, SCORE counsels about 8000 entrepreneurs a year.

How can SCORE help me?
In times of economic change, you must be diligent in preparing advance plans. Begin by developing a business plan with realistic sales projections and a plan to hold the line on costs. SCORE can provide advice to help you develop or update your plan.  

Are business secrets safe with SCORE?
Yes. All SCORE business counselors honor the client's right to proprietary and confidential information. Client information remains confidential. All SCORE counselors abide by an association Code of Ethics which includes protecting the confidences between client and counselor. Each year, counselors reaffirm their commitment to the Code of Ethics.

How does SCORE help women entrepreneurs?
Women now employ 11 million people and own one-third of the total number of businesses with fewer than 500 employees. SCORE is serving an increasing number of women entrepreneurs: Over 40% of SCORE's individual counseling clients are women and more than 4,000 women a month attend SCORE workshops.  

How does SCORE help minority entrepreneurs?
Minority owned businesses employ more than 4.5 million people and own more than three million businesses. SCORE is serving an increasing number of minority entrepreneurs: Over 16% of SCORE's individual counseling clients are minorities and more than 1,000 minority entrepreneurs a month attend SCORE workshops.