SCORE Mentors

06/05/2026

“Financial decisions should be inclusive and collaborative.”

When Pamela Chen launched Refresh Investments, she brought deep expertise to the table as both a CPA and CFA. But like many entrepreneurs, she quickly discovered that building a business requires more than mastering your craft.

As she worked to grow her financial planning and investment firm, Pam turned to SCORE mentor Bill Ehrlich for guidance on scaling sustainably. Together, they developed a plan focused on team building, marketing, and operational efficiency.

The results were transformative. Pam launched a new website, created an Advisory Board, hosted educational webinars, and streamlined her operations, allowing her to focus on serving clients while growing the business.

What truly sets Refresh Investments apart is its approach. In an industry that can often feel intimidating, Pam has built a firm where clients are encouraged to ask questions, understand their options, and actively participate in the decision-making process.

By combining expert guidance with a collaborative philosophy, Refresh Investments is helping make financial planning more accessible for women and their families.

06/04/2026

HAPPENING TODAY! See you soon. 😎

Owners: Explore how can help prepare your products for retail, distribution and future needs. Don’t miss our 6/4 webinar with Andrew Morehead of GS1 US and SCORE Mentors. https://bit.ly/4dnwHU5

06/03/2026

SCORE mentor Ke'Ira Lewis knows that some of the most rewarding parts of mentorship go beyond business advice.

Through SCORE, she has built meaningful relationships with entrepreneurs, supporting them as they grow their businesses and pursue their goals. What may start as a mentoring conversation can grow into a lasting connection rooted in trust, encouragement, and shared success.

Those relationships are what make mentorship so special.

If you're ready to share your expertise and build connections that make a difference, consider volunteering with SCORE. 💙

06/02/2026

Productivity Tips for First-time Business Owners https://bit.ly/3PObFVy

06/02/2026

A small business owner and their mentor 💁‍♀️

06/01/2026

Your matter when selling products in stores or online. Master business basics. Join Andrew Morehead of GS1 US and SCORE Mentors on 6/4. https://bit.ly/4dnwHU5

06/01/2026

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

6/4 - Business Barcode Basics: Meet Requirements, Manage Products and Sell in More Places
6/9 - Advanced SEO Strategies to Drive Traffic, Leads and Sales
6/16 - Small Business Content Marketing – Planning and Creating Engaging Content
6/18 - Retirement Planning Basics for Small Business Owners
6/23 - NotebookLM for Business: Your AI-Powered Research Partner
6/30 - Win Customers, Build Loyalty and Increase Sales With Emotional Intelligence

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

06/01/2026

Pin it to the SCOREboard 📌

What’s something that’s been challenging you lately?

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. 📩

05/29/2026

“I took a class in business school about becoming an entrepreneur by acquiring someone else’s great idea. The concept resonated with me.”

After nearly a decade in corporate America, the owner of Blue Wrench Truck and Auto Repair decided it was time to make the leap.

In 2022, he and his business partner acquired a repair shop with more than 30 years of history serving Idaho's Treasure Valley. But buying a business and growing one are two very different challenges.

That’s why he reached out to SCORE almost immediately.

What he found wasn't just advice. It was a team of experienced business leaders willing to challenge assumptions, offer honest feedback, and help chart a smarter path forward. When he considered pursuing government contracts, his mentors advised a different route. Their guidance helped him focus on opportunities that better aligned with his goals and resources.

Since then, monthly meetings with SCORE mentors Dave and Don have become a cornerstone of the business's growth. From hiring and HR to marketing and expansion, they serve as trusted advisors and accountability partners.

“Having an experienced group of business experts as a sounding board is extremely helpful.”

Today, Blue Wrench continues to grow, serving everyone from Kenworth trucks to Honda sedans and helping keep the Treasure Valley moving.

Learn how SCORE helped turn a business acquisition into a growth strategy.

05/27/2026

“One thing I’ve really realized is how important guidance and mentorship are when growing a business.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Austin Gerling didn't grow up around business owners or people teaching financial strategy. Much of the journey was learned through experience, mistakes, and figuring things out along the way.

That’s why SCORE mentorship made such a difference.

“It’s helping me accomplish goals, structure things properly, and just giving me someone I feel comfortable discussing business with.”

As businesses grow, so do the decisions. Having someone to share lessons, offer perspective, and help navigate the next level can make all the difference.

“I really believe there’s enough opportunity out there for everyone, and that we all grow faster when people are willing to help each other learn.”

05/22/2026

Small business owners & entrepreneurs — join us for our monthly Built in Hampton series designed to connect you with valuable tools and support for growth!

This month, we’re featuring SCORE, who will share information about their no-cost mentoring, workshops, and business resources available to help entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their businesses.

Date: May 28
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Whether you’re launching a new idea or looking to strengthen your existing business, this session will provide practical resources and expert guidance to support your journey.

Free, registration required: https://lnkd.in/e_xWWmWn

… more

Built in Hampton with Lavonya Jones: Tools for Small BusinessesBuilt in Hampton with Lavonya Jones: Tools for Small Businesses

05/13/2026

Join Dr James Womick for an informative workshop on selling at the Hampton Economic Development officce

05/12/2026

Small business owners face complex challenges as they work to grow stronger, more sustainable companies.

As the connective hub for small business growth across the Virginia Peninsula, SCORE Williamsburg provides experienced mentoring, practical business education, and access to strategic community resources and partnerships.

The result is actionable guidance that helps small businesses improve operations, increase profitability, overcome barriers and achieve long term success.

Connect with SCORE Williamsburg today! www.score.org/williamsburg

Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce # James City County Economic Development # York County Economic & Tourism Development # williamsburg community foundation

To help personalize your experience, SCORE can use your location to show the most relevant mentors, events, and resources.

05/07/2026

First in the series --July's workshop will be AI for Small Business with an outstanding presenter...stay tuned for more information shortly

05/07/2026

04/23/2026

04/17/2026

There is still time to register! Seats are limited...

You're Invited to the Catalyst Series on April 21st!
🙌Small business ownership is a journey, and having the right map makes all the difference. The Catalyst Series is a NEW collaborative development program designed to provide clear, practical pathways for entrepreneurs. The first in this new series will be on April 21st from 9-10AM at the Stryker Center.
👉This isn't a lecture—it’s a working session. You’ll leave with actionable tools to build a focused marketing strategy and a sales approach that centers on value rather than price.
🗨️ Our speakers for this first session include Mai-Anh Tran, a specialty beverage eCommerce solopreneur with a background in digital marketing and community engagement, and Dr. James Womick, a retired marketing professor with more than 20 years of corporate experience in brand development and global trade.
✍️Registration is required to attend, and space is limited. Don't miss out: https://bit.ly/4sxPrWb
🤝The Catalyst Series is made possible thanks to the collaboration between, SCORE Mentors , Yes Williamsburg , the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, James City County Economic Development , York County Economic & Tourism Development , York County Chamber of Commerce , and the Williamsburg Community Foundation .

The Catalyst Series: April SessionTopic: Marketing and Sales From Idea to Action. From Growth to Sustainability. Small business ownership is a journey, and having the right map makes all the difference. The Catalyst Series is a collaborative development program designed to provide clear, practi...

04/12/2026