SCORE Mentors

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Join a SCORE mentor for a workshop on financial knowledge

08/12/2026

What’s it like to work with a SCORE Williamsburg mentor? Here is what local entrepreneurs have shared:
“I’m learning a lot from my mentor, and he makes me feel comfortable enough to ask all sorts of questions.”
“Being able to connect with experienced and successful business owners who offer advice through their lived experiences is something small business owners are not likely to be able to afford without this program.”
“SCORE is a great resource as an aspiring entrepreneur.”
Whether you are starting a business, growing one or working through a challenge, you do not have to navigate the journey alone. SCORE Williamsburg provides no-cost, confidential mentoring from experienced business professionals who are ready to listen, share their knowledge and help you move forward with confidence.
Connect with a SCORE Williamsburg mentor today. www.score.org/williamsburg
Greater Williamsburg Chamber of CommerceYork County Economic & Tourism DevelopmentYork County Economic & Tourism DevelopmentJames City County Economic DevelopmentWilliamsburg Community Foundation

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

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

Have you used AI to answer a business question and then wondered whether you could trust the response?
AI can be very helpful, but it does not know your business, your customers, or your financial situation. A SCORE mentor can help you sort through the information, consider the risks, and decide what makes sense for you.
Our mentoring is confidential, personalized, and offered at no cost.
You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us. Bring us your questions, and we will help you work through them.

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

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 ?

08/04/2026

The Catalyst Series: Show Me the Money: Funding for Small Business
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office Community Room
Details: Our next installment tackles financing head-on! Featuring Roy Madsen (SCORE Mentor with extensive expertise in small business financing), Melissa Jeffries (Chesapeake Bank), and a representative from the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA).
Register for the October Catalyst Series

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.

07/29/2026

07/21/2026

A great turnout this morning for The Catalyst Series as Dr. Trenton Ford, Assistant Professor of Data Science at William & Mary, helped demystify artificial intelligence for local business owners.

Drawing on his research in data science, network science, social media, and digital misinformation, Dr. Ford demonstrated how AI can be integrated into everyday business operations without requiring extensive technical expertise.

Participants explored practical applications of AI for marketing and operations, learned how social media and data trends influence business visibility, discussed strategies for recognizing and protecting against digital misinformation, and received guidance on evaluating AI tools to determine which solutions are worth adopting.

Thank you, Dr. Ford, for an outstanding presentation and for providing practical insights that attendees can begin using immediately.

The Catalyst Series is a collaborative initiative of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Williamsburg, the City of Williamsburg Economic Development Office, James City County Economic Development, and York County Economic & Tourism Development, bringing together resources and expertise to help local businesses start, grow, and succeed.

07/14/2026

Seats are limited...sign up soon for this event

Description

The Catalyst Series: July 21st, 2026
Topic: AI for Small Businesses
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, practical pathways for entrepreneurs.
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.
Meet Your Expert:
Trenton Ford, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Data Science, William & Mary
Dr. Trenton W. Ford is an Assistant Professor of Data Science at William & Mary, where his teaching and research span artificial intelligence and machine learning, the evaluation of large language models, and human–AI teaming. His work connects academic research with applied practice, including collaborations with defense and security partners such as DARPA and NATO, He teaches courses on data science and the societal implications of generative AI, challenging students to think critically about how these tools are reshaping work, decision-making, and everyday life.
Key Takeaways
Demystifying AI: Strip away the technical jargon to understand what AI tools actually mean for a lean, local small business.
Practical Automation: Identify simple, real-world frameworks to safely integrate data tools into your daily marketing, operations, and customer engagement.
Navigating the Digital Landscape: Learn how data science and social media trends impact your market visibility and how to protect your brand from digital misinformation.
Immediate Application: Walk away with actionable steps to evaluate which tools are worth your time and which ones to skip.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 9am - 10:30am
Location: James City County Law Enforcement Center — Community Room
4600 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Cost: FREE (Registration Required)
🅿️ Important Parking Notice: Attendees are required to park across the street at Virginia Peninsula Community College, located at 4601 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Please allow a few extra minutes to park and cross over to the Law Enforcement Center.
Disclaimer: At this event, photos and videos may be recorded. By attending this event you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
Collaborative Partners
This series is a signature collaboration designed to strengthen our regional economy.
About the Hosts:
SCORE Williamsburg is dedicated to fostering small business success by providing free, confidential mentoring and educational resources to small businesses at every stage of their journey.
Through personalized guidance and community workshops, they support local workforce development and help strengthen the regional economy. SCORE Williamsburg contributes to the summit by sharing expert insights and practical guidance drawn from real-world mentoring experience, empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to build resilient, sustainable ventures.

City of Williamsburg Economic Development strives to be aware of the needs and concerns of City businesses and to identify, encourage, and assist in the implementation of programs and activities that will contribute to the City's economy.


The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce serves James City County, the City of Williamsburg, and York County. Our mission is to advocate, collaborate, and create an environment in which business can grow and succeed.


Virginia began as a business venture on the shores of the James River more than 400 years ago, and James City County Economic Development continues to attract innovators today. Modern day founders discover a lifestyle and business climate in which they can prosper.


The primary mission of York County's Department of Economic and Tourism Development is to create a diverse economic base by the recruitment, expansion and retention of businesses, industries, and tourism, thus expanding the tax base and capital investment in the County and providing new employment opportunities for its citizens.

Registration is required to attend, and space is limited. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!

07/10/2026

Description

The Catalyst Series: July 21st, 2026
Topic: AI for Small Businesses
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, practical pathways for entrepreneurs.
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.
Meet Your Expert:
Trenton Ford, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Data Science, William & Mary
Dr. Trenton W. Ford is an Assistant Professor of Data Science at William & Mary, where his teaching and research span artificial intelligence and machine learning, the evaluation of large language models, and human–AI teaming. His work connects academic research with applied practice, including collaborations with defense and security partners such as DARPA and NATO, He teaches courses on data science and the societal implications of generative AI, challenging students to think critically about how these tools are reshaping work, decision-making, and everyday life.
Key Takeaways
Demystifying AI: Strip away the technical jargon to understand what AI tools actually mean for a lean, local small business.
Practical Automation: Identify simple, real-world frameworks to safely integrate data tools into your daily marketing, operations, and customer engagement.
Navigating the Digital Landscape: Learn how data science and social media trends impact your market visibility and how to protect your brand from digital misinformation.
Immediate Application: Walk away with actionable steps to evaluate which tools are worth your time and which ones to skip.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 9am - 10:30am
Location: James City County Law Enforcement Center — Community Room
4600 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Cost: FREE (Registration Required)
🅿️ Important Parking Notice: Attendees are required to park across the street at Virginia Peninsula Community College, located at 4601 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Please allow a few extra minutes to park and cross over to the Law Enforcement Center.
Disclaimer: At this event, photos and videos may be recorded. By attending this event you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
Collaborative Partners
This series is a signature collaboration designed to strengthen our regional economy.
About the Hosts:
SCORE Williamsburg is dedicated to fostering small business success by providing free, confidential mentoring and educational resources to small businesses at every stage of their journey.
Through personalized guidance and community workshops, they support local workforce development and help strengthen the regional economy. SCORE Williamsburg contributes to the summit by sharing expert insights and practical guidance drawn from real-world mentoring experience, empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to build resilient, sustainable ventures.

City of Williamsburg Economic Development strives to be aware of the needs and concerns of City businesses and to identify, encourage, and assist in the implementation of programs and activities that will contribute to the City's economy.


The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce serves James City County, the City of Williamsburg, and York County. Our mission is to advocate, collaborate, and create an environment in which business can grow and succeed.


Virginia began as a business venture on the shores of the James River more than 400 years ago, and James City County Economic Development continues to attract innovators today. Modern day founders discover a lifestyle and business climate in which they can prosper.


The primary mission of York County's Department of Economic and Tourism Development is to create a diverse economic base by the recruitment, expansion and retention of businesses, industries, and tourism, thus expanding the tax base and capital investment in the County and providing new employment opportunities for its citizens.

Registration is required to attend, and space is limited. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!