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 Susquehanna Valley webinar or workshop this week and 🚀

08/30/2026

So excited for SCORE Susquehanna Valley client Ky the Chemist!! You go, girl!!

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. 💙