What is SCORE?
SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE has about 400 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with over 10,000 volunteers nationwide. Local chapters provide free counseling and low-cost workshops in their communities to U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as business counselors. SCORE was founded in 1964.

What is SCORE's mission?
SCORE provides professional guidance and information accessible to all to maximize the success of America's existing and emerging small businesses.

Who are SCORE volunteers?
SCORE volunteers are successful business professionals. The men and women who serve as SCORE counselors have owned, operated and/or managed businesses. The skills of business counselors represent different talents, generations, minority/ethnic groups and strengths. The variety of people and skills adds value to the quality of SCORE's business advice.

How can SCORE help me?
In these uncertain times, businesses must be diligent in preparing their plans. They should develop 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. Our counselors can also assist in analyzing your current results. Clients tell us some of the best ideas for their business flowed from discussion with a SCORE counselor. You can Ask SCORE for Business Adviceright now through the SCORE Web Site.

Can I contact SCORE via email?
Yes. The SCORE National Association offers a special feature called Ask SCORE for Business Advice. You can go to email counseling and pose a business question to one of the SCORE business counselors who have joined the SCORE Cyber Chapter to provide you with email answers to business questions. You choose from a list of counselors with expertise in the business areas that interest you and write a question to the counselor who is the best match for your business or industry.

How does this e-mail counseling work?
SCORE helps you learn what you need to know, when you need to know it. SCORE's 1,200 email counselors are ready to assist you. Use the Ask SCORE for Business Advice link. All SCORE counseling including Cyber-Counseling is:

• Confidential—Counselors abide by a code of ethics and honor confidentiality.
• Fast—Ask questions 24/7; get answers in 48 hours.
• Free—Offered free-of-charge, as a public service.
• Convenient—Receive advice straight to your email.
• Essential to your success—SCORE's experts are an essential component of your business advice team that will guide your business to success.
• Available to all U.S. citizens & green card holders.

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What kind of counseling does SCORE provide?
SCORE's experienced business experts provide general business advice on everything from how to write a business plan, to cash flow management, to developing a small business advisory board. Assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs may involve investigating the market potential for a product or service and assessing the capital needs to start a business. Counselors can provide insight into how to start a business, operate a business, buy a business or franchise and sell a business.

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 can I contact SCORE for assistance?
You can contact your local chapter in Maine and make an appointment for face-to-face counseling. You can use Find SCORE Now to locate a chapter near you, complete with address, phone number and a map you can print right now. Or you can Ask SCORE for Business Advice to send an email message to a counselor and begin electronic counseling.

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