SCORE® East Central Iowa

Volunteer to Counsel Small Businesses

Business Leader?  Like to help others?  Apply Now

 

Read below for more detail on how you can help.

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 small business mentors, coaches and creators.  We selflessly help any small business of under 400 employees start or grow.  See a notable list of infant businesses we helped HERE.

SCORE is a non-profit association comprised of 12,000 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. (14,000 in East Central Iowa since 1966.) We help create nearly 40,000 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

Business Leaders and Experts we are Seeking:

1. People who have owned or managed successful businesses (as General Managers, Owners, Presidents,
    CEOs, CFOs and the like.)

2. Marketing and/or Sales experts or leaders.

3. Women and minority business leaders.

4. Young Business Leaders and Internet Sales Specialists (SCORE isn't just for old people.)

5. Business specialists, particularly experts in modern operational tactics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Be Retired To Join SCORE®?

No.  Both retired and working professionals are welcome in SCORE®. However, no SCORE® member may provide services to our small business clients for monetary consideration.

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 should:

  • Have business management, ownership or business-related professional experience.
  • Be able to typically devote a minimum of 3 to 4 hours per month.  (More depends on personal
         circumstances.)
  • Be computer literate with ability to send and receive emails and attachments.
  • 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