SCORE Mentors

08/07/2026

“Recognizing the gaps in my knowledge about opening and running a retail business, I turned to SCORE for their wealth of experience.”

Amanda Preske had a vision for making science accessible through art. She dreamed of creating a place where curiosity could come to life through hands-on experiences, creativity, and discovery.

But turning that vision into a thriving business required more than a passion for science.

Seeking guidance, Amanda connected with SCORE mentor Richard Rose, who helped her navigate business planning, location scouting, and lease negotiations. Together, they transformed an idea into Because Science: a retail storefront, event space, and creative studio where science becomes approachable, engaging, and fun for learners of all ages.

Today, Because Science is proving that science isn't just something you study. It's something you experience.

Sometimes the greatest discoveries happen outside the lab. For Amanda, one of them was finding a mentor.

08/05/2026

Your team helps your business thrive. Let's help you take care of them. 💙

Check out our guide to choosing the right health plan for your small business, brought to you by Aetna, for practical tips on comparing coverage, managing costs, and finding the best fit for your employees.

This guide helps small business owners choose the right health plan by evaluating coverage, costs, networks, and employee needs through nine practical steps.

08/05/2026

“One of the highlights of the event was connecting with the Allan Himmelstein and the SCORE team. They were incredibly generous with their time and shared thoughtful advice on navigating the government contracting space and how we can better position ourselves for future opportunities.”

- Robert McKay after attending a recent SBA Matchmaking event

That's what mentorship looks like. Sharing experience, answering questions, and helping entrepreneurs prepare for what's next.

How do you ?

08/03/2026

We'd add: a SCORE mentor. 😉 It might just be the highest ROI investment on the list... and the lowest cost too, because it's free. 💙

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

AUGUST WEBINAR SCHEDULE — Swipe through to learn more about this month’s sessions. 👉

8/4 - Going Beyond SEO: How to Get Found in Search, AI and Local Listings
8/11 - Understanding Your Funding Options: Loans, Grants, Investors and More
8/13 - Applying for a Business Loan: What Lenders Look for and How to Prepare
8/20 - Mastering Cash Flow Management – Manage Fluctuations and Uncover Hidden Cash
8/25 - Inside the Franchise Playbook: Proven Systems for Building and Scaling Your Business
8/27 - Goof-Proof Your Business: Prevent Costly Mistakes Before They Happen

We hope you enjoy this month’s line up and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!

08/02/2026

Pin it to the SCOREboard 📌

What's one misconception people have about owning a business?

We'll use the comment section as a sounding board to offer resources and support.

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Have something YOU want to ask other entrepreneurs? DM us to submit your prompts. 📩

08/01/2026

Happy Startup Day Across America!

Today, we celebrate everyone who's ever looked at an idea and said,

"Let's build something."

Every thriving small business started with that moment of courage.

If today is the day you decide to take your first step, SCORE is here to help. Explore our free Startup Roadmap and connect with an expert mentor to guide you from idea to launch.

Because no one has to build it alone.

🚀 Start your journey: score.org/startup-roadmap

07/30/2026

Sometimes the best business ideas begin at home.

When Anna's daughters couldn't find masks that fit during the pandemic, she designed her own. What started as a solution for her family soon grew into AnnaCalisa, an Etsy shop that eventually became a boutique in the Burlington Mall.

As the business grew, so did her vision. Today, AnnaCalisa showcases handcrafted gifts while creating opportunities for women-owned businesses, local artists, and independent makers.

With guidance from SCORE mentor Michael Thompson, Anna expanded beyond online sales, strengthened her business strategy, and turned a creative passion into a thriving retail business.

What started as a simple solution for her children became something much bigger.

The best businesses don't always start with a business plan. Sometimes they start by solving one small problem really well.

12/02/2025

It’s here — !

Today, you can help small businesses across America soar. 🕊️

Every dollar you give to SCORE fuels free mentoring and resources that help entrepreneurs start, grow, and thrive.

💼 Empower a dream.
💡 Build a community.
💙 Give today: score.org/donate-score

10/13/2025

Learning never stops when you’re building your dream! 🌟

Join SCORE mentors and small business experts for low-cost webinars and local events designed to help entrepreneurs like you succeed.

10/09/2025

“Finally got to meet my advisor in person. This free program has been a game-changer. I can’t recommend it enough for fellow entrepreneurs.” - SCORE Client Maggie Benson

We ❤️ hearing feedback like this! At SCORE, our mentors are here to guide you every step of the way—whether it’s your first meeting or your 50th.

Best part? It’s completely free.

Ready to level up your business? 🔗 Link in comments to connect with a SCORE mentor today!

10/07/2025

“It’s not about finding yourself. It’s about shedding what is holding you back.”

Fermented Felon Founder Tony Horner was no stranger to the word no.

- Denied employment from a call center for his criminal history.
- Denied an SBA loan from a bank because of his criminal history.
- Denied admission to professional investment classes because of his criminal history.
- Denied access to trade school because of his criminal history.
- Denied admission to college programs because of his criminal history.

From incarceration to innovation, kombucha was Tony’s big YES.

Fermented Felon combines the restorative powers of kombucha with Tony’s belief in fresh starts. Consumers can sip on handcrafted flavors like Profound Peach and Raspberry Respect while supporting their mission to uplift lives impacted by the justice system.

Tony may have developed a winning kombucha recipe but when he needed business support, he turned to SCORE.

“My SCORE mentor was phenomenal. He had the formula for success.”

10/06/2025

💡 Ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers free live webinars and local workshops to help you start, grow, and thrive.

09/29/2025

📌 Hurry, Putnam entrepreneurs! Register now for our webinar!
Are you posting on Instagram but not seeing results?

In this webinar, Instagram expert Sue B. Zimmerman will show you how to build and grow an engaged Instagram community.

Get Clients on Instagram - How to Build a Community That Buys
Date & Time: September 30, 2025, 1:00pm EDT
Live event (online)
Cost: $0.00
Duration: 1 Hour
Language: English
Register now ↓

Learn how to use Instagram comments, posts, and DMs to connect with clients, earn their trust, and turn conversations into sales.

09/25/2025

Inspired by her stepson with autism, Wendy Dawson co-founded Incuentro LLC with Brandi Timmons, MEd, BCBA, LBA, to support neurodiverse individuals through technology and human-centered design.

With guidance from SCORE, Wendy and Brandi refined their strategy, strengthened operations and secured a grant to increase their impact.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers a wealth of valuable resources to help you succeed and our experienced mentors are here to guide you every step of the way. ➡https://score.org/putnam

📷: SCORE client Wendy Dawson, CEO of Incuentro LLC

09/23/2025

Have you ever had an epiphany that changed your life completely? After earning a Ph.D., publishing textbooks and teaching, Viviane Gontijo realized her happiest moments were when family, friends, students and colleagues enjoyed her decadent treats. After the pandemic, she decided to turn her passion into a full-time career.

From day one, Vivilicious Chocolates thrived with SCORE’s programs and mentorship. A SCORE mentor provided expert guidance as she navigated forming an LLC, finance, product development, sales and management. With SCORE’s support, Viviane transformed her passion project into a thriving premium chocolate business.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers a wealth of valuable resources to help you succeed and our experienced mentors are here to guide you every step of the way. ➡ https://score.org/putnam

🎥: SCORE client Viviane Gontijo, owner of Vivilicious Chocolates

09/22/2025

✏️ Register today, Putnam entrepreneurs! Our workshop is filling up fast—don’t wait!
The holiday season is the biggest sales opportunity of the year, but without a plan, it can quickly become overwhelming.

In this webinar, our expert presenter will show you how to create a simple holiday marketing plan that saves time and drives results.

Holiday Marketing Strategies to Sleigh the Year’s Biggest Sales Opportunity
Date & Time: September 25, 2025, 1:00pm EDT
Cost: $15.00
Duration: 90 Minutes
Language: English
Live event (online)

Learn simple holiday marketing strategies to connect with customers, boost sales and make the most of the year’s biggest shopping season.

09/21/2025

Happy Sunday! We have a thought starter for you.

What’s the biggest myth about starting your own business?

Let's debunk in the comments below.