What is SCORE’s mission?
Who are SCORE volunteers?
Do I have to be retired to join SCORE?
How can I join SCORE?
Why does SCORE interview candidates before accepting volunteers?
Why does SCORE provide a volunteer training program?
What resources and tools are available to volunteers?

What is SCORE’s mission?
SCORE provides resources and expertise to maximize the success of existing and emerging small businesses.

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Who are SCORE volunteers?
SCORE volunteers are successful business professionals who volunteer their time to mentor small business owners. They share a belief that small business owners are more likely to succeed if they have a mentor to guide them. SCORE counselors come from a variety of occupations and backgrounds. Many owned small businesses for years; others worked for major firms such as 3M, General Electric and Proctor & Gamble. The strength of the volunteers is in their more than 600 skill areas. They span all generations and minority/ethnic groups. This variety of backgrounds and skills adds value to the quality of SCORE's business advice.

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Do I have to be retired to join SCORE?
No. Many SCORE volunteers own businesses, manage corporations or own consulting firms. These working professionals contribute to SCORE as counselors and workshop presenters, just as our retired professionals volunteer. Both retired and working professionals are welcome in SCORE.

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How can I join SCORE?
To join SCORE, contact your local SCORE chapter. You can visit Find SCORE to locate your local chapter by entering your zip code or city and state. Local chapter offices can provide you with a SCORE volunteer application. You can call the SCORE Association office at 1-800/634-0245 for a media kit and background information about SCORE or to obtain SCORE information with your volunteer application at the chapter office.

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Why does SCORE interview candidates before accepting volunteers?
There are many business people with exceptional business management skills. However, transferring business skills into a counseling and mentoring situation requires additional and different skills than a business owner or manager may have used in his or her career. The interview process allows both the SCORE chapter and the potential SCORE volunteer to see if this volunteer opportunity is a good fit for the organization and potential counselor.

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Why does SCORE provide a volunteer training program?
All new SCORE volunteers participate in an orientation and training program, so they understand SCORE's mission, services and the opportunities for volunteer participation. Orientation also provides guidance on how to be a business counselor and apply new listening, interviewing and problem-solving skills—specifically to business counseling and mentoring.

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What resources and tools are available to volunteers?
Upon joining, each new volunteer receives a SCORE Volunteer Guide. SCORE Today, a monthly newsletter for volunteers, offers insights and news on SCORE, chapter activities and small business resources. In addition, all volunteers have access to the online Volunteer Center and SCORE list servers.

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