SCORE Mentors

09/03/2026

“With SCORE you have someone in your corner who can ask you the right questions, connect you with experts, and help you access a world of opportunity.”

For Amanda Chavero, founder of Dear Donor, building a business meant turning a decade of nonprofit experience into a new kind of opportunity: helping small organizations do more without significantly increasing their overhead.

But expertise in her field didn't automatically mean knowing how to build a business.

So Amanda turned to SCORE.

Her mentor, Mark Lancaster, helped her develop a long-term vision, navigate HR questions, distinguish growth from scale, and even plan for maternity leave as her business expanded.

The results came quickly. In Dear Donor's first full year, Amanda raised more than $700,000. The following year, with two employees on her team, she raised $3.2 million with a 40% success rate.

Today, Dear Donor is helping nonprofits build capacity and secure the resources they need to make their missions possible. And Amanda is doing it with the confidence and perspective she gained along the way.

“I love helping my clients capture their dreams,” she says, “and I appreciate SCORE’s help in realizing mine.”

09/01/2026

Kenneth McLaurin, Founder of Evolution Skincare & SHIS and SCORE client, was recently invited to share his work at Atlanta Tech Week.

Reflecting on the opportunity and the people and communities that have helped shape his journey, he said:

“No one builds something meaningful alone.”

From challenging him to think differently to providing mentorship, resources, and connections, SCORE has been part of Kenneth’s journey as he continues to grow his business and expand his vision for its impact.

His story is a reminder that sometimes the right conversation, connection, or piece of advice can change the trajectory of what you're building.

Way to go, Kenneth! We can't wait to see where you GROW next.

08/31/2026

📚 Low-cost business learning opportunities await!

Join a SCORE Cape Cod & the Islands webinar or workshop this week and 🚀

08/27/2026

“Knowing that there are successful entrepreneurs willing to help out new entrepreneurs influenced me to request a mentor.”

When Gavin Escolar discovered Chaga in Alaska, he saw an opportunity to bring the superfood home to and introduce it in new ways through The Chaga Company.

But turning an idea into a growing business meant navigating challenges around funding, scaling, distribution, and finding the right place in the market.

That's where SCORE mentor Pete Slosberg came in.

Pete helped Gavin refine his sales strategy, elevator pitch, marketing, customer acquisition, and plans for growth, giving him a trusted sounding board as he built the business.

Gavin's advice to fellow entrepreneurs? “Find a mentor, listen to your mentor, and keep pushing.”

Because building a business is daunting. You don't have to do it alone.

08/25/2026

SCORE mentor Pablo Conrad knows that mentorship is a two-way exchange.

By sharing his experience with entrepreneurs, he’s also gained new perspectives from the business owners and fellow mentors he’s met along the way. It’s a community where giving back and learning go hand in hand.

That’s what makes the SCORE community so special.

Ready to share what you know and discover what you’ll learn along the way? Become a SCORE mentor. 💙

08/24/2026

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.

08/20/2026

Sometimes the business you start isn't the business you end up building.

When Manasse Shingiro first turned to SCORE in 2016, he was developing a Rwandan Arabica Coffee business. But when circumstances changed, he adapted and founded Casco Bay Cleaning Services instead.

The pivot wasn't the end of the dream. It was the beginning of something bigger.

With guidance from SCORE mentor Donna LeBreux, Manasse developed business plans, identified opportunities for growth, and made informed decisions that helped move Casco Bay Cleaning forward.

In just five years, the company grew from a team of two to more than 100 employees. But for Manasse, success isn't measured only in numbers. He is committed to helping his employees grow, supporting them as they build careers, buy homes, and create better futures for themselves and their families.

Manasse's story is a reminder that sometimes, the path to your dream looks nothing like the path you imagined.

08/20/2026

08/18/2026

From Mentorship to Main Street ✂️

Three years ago, James Smethie was exploring franchise opportunities and figuring out what came next. SCORE mentors Alan Gorlick and Bob Melberth were there to help him navigate the decision.

Fast-forward to June 2026: James opened his Playa Bowls franchise to a line of 90 eager customers. Last week, he celebrated another milestone with a Chamber ribbon cutting.

And he's already looking ahead, with plans for two more locations. 🚀

From exploring an idea to opening the doors of a growing business, James' journey shows what can happen when entrepreneurs have the right guidance along the way.

Congratulations, James and the Playa Bowls team! And cheers to Alan and Bob for being part of the journey. 💙

08/17/2026

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

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

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.