SCORE Mentors

10/14/2026

NOW OPEN: The 2027 award nomination season has arrived!

From generational businesses to innovative startups, the awards will honor America's best entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, investing locally, and powering our nation's economy.

Submit nominations by December 7: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/organization/observances/national-small-business-week/

10/14/2026

SCORE mentor Jyoti Jaiswal knows there’s something powerful about watching an entrepreneur go from “I have an idea” to “I think I can really do this.” 💙

Behind every business is someone taking a risk, figuring things out as they go, and trying to turn a vision into something real. They shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Sometimes, the right guidance, resource, or conversation can be the thing that turns uncertainty into momentum.

That’s why mentors show up. To listen. To share what they know. To remind entrepreneurs that they have someone in their corner.

Ready to be that person for an entrepreneur? Become a SCORE mentor.

10/14/2026

🚨 Small business owners, the holiday countdown is ON. 🎁

50 days until Small Business Saturday, and the holiday shopping season is right around the corner.

Got a plan to turn holiday shoppers into loyal customers? A marketing strategy to stand out in the crowd? A game plan for the holiday hustle?

If you're still figuring it out, we've got you. 😉

🎄 The SCORE Holiday Success Hub is packed with tips, tools and resources to help you make this season your strongest yet.

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10/07/2026

10/02/2026

Manufacturing takes more than engineering. It takes vision, problem-solving, and the business know-how to turn an idea into a thriving company. 🏭

For National Manufacturing Day, meet Brad, founder of AMS Galaxy USA, a manufacturer of precision dairy equipment helping farmers reclaim something invaluable: time with their families.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Brad saw firsthand how demanding the work could be. He wanted to help other farmers change that story through robotic milking technology. But when it came to running a business, he quickly realized that engineering expertise was only part of the equation.

That’s where SCORE came in. Through mentorship, Brad gained guidance in sales, marketing, accounting, finance, and strategy, the essential business skills that help manufacturers grow beyond the production floor.

“We wouldn't be where we are without SCORE,” Brad shared.

This National Manufacturing Day, we're celebrating the manufacturers who turn innovation into impact, and the mentors who help them build stronger businesses.

10/01/2026

New month, new opportunities to grow your business! 💡

Our October webinar lineup covers practical topics to help you work smarter, make informed financial decisions, and plan for what’s next.

👉 Swipe through to see what’s coming up, choose the sessions that interest you, and register for free!

We look forward to learning with you this month. 💙

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

SCORE Mentors is exhibiting today at the Central Florida Business Expo at the RP Funding Center. Pictured here are Scott Nigh, Margaret Grisdela, and Rich Weiss (L-R). Stop by and say hello.

Mentoring is always free, for the life of your business. Visit us online and request a mentor at https://www.score.org/fl/central-florida/.

We also welcome volunteers who want to serve as a mentor: https://www.score.org/volunteer-score/

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

SCORE Central Florida will exhibit tomorrow—Wednesday, September 30—at the Central Florida Business Expo. Stop by our booth to learn more about free mentoring services available for small business owners.

Details at https://cflbe.com/.

09/29/2026

Real end-of-year SMB planning = no fluff.

What’s one unwritten rule you have for holiday prep? Drop it below 👇

09/28/2026

Thanks to all the speakers, sponsors, and attendees who made the SCORE Central Florida 2026 Women's Conference a big success last Friday.

Lakeland Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley was our opening speaker, introduced by Amy Wiggins of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Mayor McCarley shared childhood memories of learning how to run a business by watching her mother, the owner of a floral business that served big name clients. She emphasized the important role that small business owners play in the Lakeland economy.

Casey Barile, National Marketing Director of Domino's Pizza, shared insights into how to set up a strong social media presence. Attendees learned how to retain current clients while also emphasizing lead generation.

SCORE Mentor Rich Weiss moderated the panel titled "Money Matters: Strategies for a Stronger Business." Speakers Suzanne Robinson of TD Bank and Joey Ford of SouthState Bank explained the importance of keeping accurate financial records in support of potential borrowing needs. Michael Riskin of CPS Investment Advisers told attendees to "pay themselves first," and shared tips on corporate saving and retirement planning options.

Thanks to SCORE.org mentors Margaret Grisdela, Rich Weiss, Jeff Christoffersen, Deborah Zakany, and Scott Nigh.

SCORE Central Florida offers free mentoring to small business owners who want to grow their business. Request a mentor at https://www.score.org/fl/central-florida/.

09/28/2026

Pin it to the SCOREboard 📌

What's one skill Future You will thank you for learning?

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. 📩

09/24/2026

“Starting Mothership Coffee Roasters was personal for me.”

For Juanny Romero, coffee became a vehicle for creating the kind of connection and community she wished she had growing up. A child of immigrants from the rough side of Queens, she built Mothership Coffee Roasters around a simple mission: create meaningful connections through great coffee.

Fifteen years later, that mission has grown into six cafes, regional retail partnerships, and coffee sourced from women-owned farming cooperatives.

Along the way, SCORE has been part of Juanny’s journey, providing mentorship, encouragement, and the perspective she needed to grow from a passionate entrepreneur into the CEO of a multi-chain, multi-vertical business.

But for Juanny, success isn't just about how much the business has grown. It's about what that growth makes possible: supporting women coffee producers, investing in her community, and creating spaces where people can connect.

Her advice to other entrepreneurs? Embrace mentorship. The right guidance can help you break through limiting beliefs and see what's possible.

09/24/2026

Join SCORE Mentors on September 29 at 1 PM for their 'Beyond the Barcode: Manage Inventory, Navigate Retail Channels and Prepare to Scale' webinar! 🛍️

Discover how barcodes can support inventory management, prepare your business for wholesale distribution, and MORE!

Register here ➡️: https://f.mtr.cool/hpli68wfej

09/24/2026

Tomorrow: Resilient by Design. There is still time to join us for the SCORE Central Florida 2026 Annual Women’s Conference tomorrow morning at Catapult in Lakeland.

In one morning, you’ll hear practical perspectives on: Marketing and revenue growth. Financial decision-making. Business stability. Community resources.

You’ll also have an opportunity to meet and network with other Central Florida business owners. If strengthening your business is on your agenda for the year ahead, spend Friday morning with us.

Friday, September 25
8:45 a.m.–Noon
Catapult, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland
$50 | Advance registration required

Register today: SCORE Central Florida. https://www.score.org/fl/central-florida/business-education/2026-central-florida-womens-conference/

09/23/2026

Let’s talk about money. Our “Money Matters: Strategies for a Stronger Business” panel will bring together financial professionals to discuss the financial decisions that can help business owners build greater stability and prepare for growth. Access to capital. Cash flow. Financial planning. Investment. Growth. Attendees will learn this information and more from the experts.

Our panel features Suzanne Robinson of TD Bank, Michael Riskin of CPS Investment Advisors and Joey Ford of SouthState Bank.

Bring your questions and learn from professionals who work with businesses and financial decisions every day.

The SCORE Central Florida Women’s Conference is this Friday morning at Catapult in Lakeland.

Registration is $50 and advance registration is required: Register through SCORE Central Florida.
https://www.score.org/fl/central-florida/business-education/2026-central-florida-womens-conference/