Small Business Mentoring

“SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, we have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs.” -from the SCORE website ( www.score.org )

When I started my business in 2016 SCORE was one of the first programs that I was recommended to go to for mentoring, but I got sidetracked with my 9 to 5 and with life and finally got around to meeting with my SCORE Mentor in January 2020. SCORE has a team of qualified mentors that have a wide range of skills in helping you get your business off the ground. 

I have (to date) had several meetings with my SCORE mentor and during these sessions I generally ask 1,000 questions and he provides all the answers. There are many things in the government contracting world that can seem like a great big mystery and it is always a good idea to have someone to answer these questions. My SCORE mentor has also done a good job during this COVID-19 crisis keeping in touch through emails and next week we will be having our very first zoom meeting. 

Confidentiality is important as a government contractor because this is a competitive space – sometimes winning a contract comes down to who has the best price! SCORE mentors are required to keep all meetings and company details confidential which is great because it helps me feel confortable sharing so my SCORE mentor can understand where I am coming from and be able to help me reach my goals. 

I also have another business mentor that I started out with in 2015 and I still work with him on a monthly basis but having another source of advice and information through my SCORE mentor has been a great benefit to me. 

My sister also owns her own business in Texas (www.spaceliftr.com) and has used the SCORE mentoring program down in Houston. I am glad that this program is available and most importantly that it is FREE! 

Additional SCORE Resources: 

-Webinars and Courses On-Demand 

-Online Resources 

-Local Events (Seminars and such) 

Leaning on SCORE, 

-Sophoria Westmoreland 

…

Image by DavidRockDesign from Pixabay