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About Us

SCORE Volunteers are active and retired business owners and professionals committed to the success of small businesses throughout West Michigan. We have real world experience in a variety of industries, roles and business settings … and we offer no-cost individual mentoring, workshops, and a wealth of business resources.

We work with both existing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to build success that might not otherwise be possible. We are dedicated to building strong and prosperous Grand Rapids and Holland business communities.

The Grand Rapids Chapter of SCORE and our Holland Branch comprise one of 300+ SCORE Chapters throughout the US. We are supported by the Small Business Administration and a number of local Strategic Alliance Partners.

How does SCORE Mentoring work?

SCORE Mentors meet one-on-one with clients to provide guidance and advice on how to start a new business … or grow an existing business. We can help you identify and avoid the typical pitfalls, and increase your probability of success by leveraging our knowledge and experience.

SCORE Mentors often meet with clients multiple times to help them achieve their goals. We are relational by definition and are here for the life of your business.

How do I schedule a meeting with a SCORE Mentor?

You may request a face-to-face mentoring session by selecting and following the Find A Mentor pathway. Simply fill in the requested information and a SCORE Mentor will contact you to schedule an introductory session. You may also request an appointment by calling SCORE at (616) 771-0305. In Grand Rapids, we are co-located with the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce at 250 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 150. In Holland, we typically meet at the Herrick District Library.

Is there a fee for SCORE Services?

Absolutely not ! SCORE Mentoring is always free of charge, no matter how many times you meet. SCORE Mentors generously donate their time and expertise to help entrepreneurs like you succeed. In fact, our only compensation is your success …

Who are SCORE Mentors?

SCORE Mentors are successful business professionals in the community who offer a broad range of experiences and skill sets. Whether actively working or now retired, we are singularly focused on helping you.

Is SCORE Mentoring / Counseling confidential?

Absolutely! SCORE Volunteers adhere to a strict code of ethics which includes complete client confidentiality. You can feel secure in knowing that all discussions and information you share will be held in strict confidence by SCORE. While we greatly appreciate clients sharing their SCORE experiences with others, and many clients have offered testimonials, SCORE will never disclose information about our clients without their express permission to do so.

Beyond Mentoring, what other tools are available?

SCORE maintains an exhaustive library of online educational materials including articles, templates and webinars. Explore the Browse The Library tab, or visit the SCORE national website at www.score.org. We also offer local Workshops and Seminars on a variety of important business topics … and can connect you with many other resources in our community.

How does SCORE get funding for its operations?

SCORE is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. We are fortunate to have dedicated, capable business professionals who generously volunteer thousands of hours each year to help SCORE Clients just like you. SCORE does receive a small amount of federal funding through the US Small Business Administration (SBA), but we also depend upon local sponsoring partners and donors to fund the valuable services we provide to the small business community. Please visit our Strategic Partners page to learn more …

How can I help SCORE in Grand Rapids?

If you are a natural partner of SCORE (such as a bank, accounting firm, attorney, or small business service provider) we encourage you to consider becoming one of our Strategic Alliance Partners. We also encourage you to direct your clients to SCORE for assistance when we can supplement your relationship.

And literally everyone can help SCORE by spreading the word about the valuable services we provide in Grand Rapids and Holland.

Finally, if you are an experienced business professional who is passionate about helping small business owners and dreamers, please consider becoming a SCORE Volunteer. We have a number of ways that you can help, so please explore the Volunteer tab or call (616) 771-0305.

In closing, SCORE is committed to diversity and inclusion … and our services are provided without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations with advance notice of need. For such accommodations, please contact SCORE at (616) 771-0305.

CONNECT
250 Monroe Ave NW Suite 150
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Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 771-0305

Copyright © 2024 SCORE Association, SCORE.org

Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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