Volunteer to Mentor Small Businesses
Think SCORE® is for you? Let us know.
Overview
If you are a successful business owner or leader of any age and want to help other small businesses succeed, SCORE is the place to make that happen. We are America's economic development engine. Our sole job is creating, growing and helping small business succeed. We selflessly assist any small business of under 400 employees start or grow. See a factsheet about SCORE and businesses we have helped HERE.
SCORE is a non-profit association comprised of 13,000 plus volunteer business mentors throughout the U.S. and its territories. There are close to 400 SCORE chapters in urban, suburban and rural communities.
SCORE services are offered at no fee, as a community service. SCORE was formed in 1964 and 8.4 million Americans have used SCORE services. (15,000 in East Central Iowa since 1966.) We help create nearly 70,000 new American businesses a year.
SCORE's mission statement says that "SCORE provides professional guidance and information, accessible to all, to maximize the success of America's existing and emerging small businesses." We also have a new national imperative to create 1,000,000 new businesses and their associated jobs. Make SCORE your first choice in volunteerism.
Benefits of Volunteering with SCORE®
SCORE® volunteers enjoy a variety of rewards, including:
- Leadership in the business community
- Recognition and respect as a business mentor
- Contributing to the success of others
- Professional and personal growth
- Networking with other successful business leaders
What Types of Volunteer "Leaders"are we Seeking?
We are always seeking new members who are proven "leaders" to complement our team of nearly 70-plus. We look for people who can relate to and communicate well to entrepreneurs who are starting a business and those with going concerns. Our most critical current people requirements are listed below.
New Member Priorities/Needs:
- People who have owned or run small businesses.
- Marketing and sales leaders, preferably those with eBusiness expertise.
- Women and minorities.
- People with special skills, notably in Internet sales and marketing (eBusiness), web expertise, food
.... . service, legal and successful young business entrepreneurs. - Others on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have To Be Retired To Join SCORE®?
No. Both retired and working professionals are welcome in SCORE®. 50% of our membership is still employed. However, SCORE® members may not have clients as customers nor solicit clients as customers.
Why Does SCORE® Interview Candidates Before Accepting Members?
Transferring business skills into a counseling and mentoring situation requires specific skills. Interviewing permits both SCORE® and the applicant to see if there is a good fit.
Why Do New SCORE® Members Participate In A Training Program?
The orientation and training program permits the new member to understand SCORE®'s mission, services, and opportunities with the organization. The program provides guidance on how to be a good business counselor and how to develop good listening, interviewing and problem-solving habits. Also, the training process is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with your fellow volunteers as we often refer clients to each other for specific skills, contacts or backgrounds. This orientation also acquaints new members with resources available on the national SCORE® website?
Minimum Requirements - A volunteer must:
- Have business ownership, senior management, leadership and/or general management experience.
- Be able to typically devote 3 to 8 hours per month. (Depends on your personal circumstances.)
- Computer literacy/fluency is REQUIRED - we use most high-tech tools as do our clients.
- Contribute in a significant way to chapter functions in addition to, or in place of, counseling.
- Be able to relate and communicate with a diverse client and counselor base
