SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, is a non-profit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

In the Ellsworth chapter, counseling often involves providing general information on financing options, business strategy, marketing tactics, product development, and cash flow management. We meet, usually in teams of two, with men and women who want to start businesses, as well as with owner/operators of existing businesses.

Start ups usually want to know how to get financing, and this always involves the development of a business plan. SCORE volunteers supply business plan outlines and cash flow formats, and coach the would-be entrepreneurs in the preparation and refinement of their plan. Sometimes our counseling indicates that their dream needs to be postponed for one reason or another…more often we are enthusiastic supporters of their business startup efforts.

Existing business counseling generally takes one of two forms: expansion of an already successful business or help with businesses which are in trouble. We analyze their financial statements, look over and recommend improvements to employment, marketing and sales, and operational control issues, and provide support and encouragement to owners who are working hard to make it in Maine.

In all instances we offer follow-up counseling as required, often resulting in a number of sessions over a several year time span as the business develops.