SCORE and Spike TV Create Customized "Toolbox for Success" to Help Start-Up or Distressed Small Businesses -- Available Free-of-Charge

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SCORE (www.score.org), mentors to America's small business, a non-profit association and premier resource for free and confidential small business advice, and Spike TV, home of the new Sunday night series (10 p.m. ET/PT) "Bar Rescue" which gives failing nightlife establishments a second chance, have partnered to create a customized tool kit to aid small businesses. The announcement was made by Ken Yancey, SCORE CEO and Todd Ames, Vice President, Marketing, Spike TV.

"SCORE is committed to growing small businesses across the country. As our tagline reads, SCORE is here "for the life of your business," Mr. Yancey said.  "This partnership with Spike TV highlights the situations SCORE mentors can help clients with who are in the restaurant and bar industry. It is our hope that viewers of this show will reach out to use SCORE's free resources and mentoring capabilities."

"Given our challenging economic climate, the small business owner needs to fight even harder for his share in a shrinking marketplace. It's survival of the fittest, which is why the timing is perfect for 'Bar Rescue' and Spike's partnership with SCORE.  Together we've created a free tool kit designed to give entrepreneurs an edge to not only stay alive, but thrive during these recessionary times," commented Mr. Ames.    

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 21% of all small businesses started in 2008 were restaurants and bars. In Spike TV's new series, "Bar Rescue," Jon Taffer, one of the country's top restaurant and bar consultants, gives renewed life to businesses on the brink of closure. The show delves into every business facet of running a bar, from creating a profitable drink/food menu to crowd management to music selection to managing disgruntled employees.

SCORE joins in this effort to provide people who have an interest in starting, saving or growing a restaurant or bar, with free and confidential business advice. Much like the 13,000 SCORE mentors across America offering guidance to new and existing businesses in all industries, Taffer draws on his lengthy, successful track record to revitalize these establishments on "Bar Rescue."

The SPIKE TV/SCORE "Toolbox for Success" provides free and confidential mentoring by industry experts. In addition, templates, trends and workshops are available with the click of a button. This toolbox is available at http://www.score.org/restaurants/spike-tv-serve-up-success and will be available to viewers via Spike TV's website at http://www.spike.com/shows/bar-rescue.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 9 million aspiring entrepreneurs. Each year, SCORE provides small business mentoring and workshops to more than 375,000 new and growing small businesses. More than 13,500 business experts volunteer as mentors in 354 chapters serving local communities with entrepreneur education to help grow 1 million small businesses.

For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE at www.score.org or connect with us at www.facebook.com/SCOREFans or www.twitter.com/SCOREMentors.

About Spike TV

Spike TV is available in 99.4 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos

SOURCE SCORE Association