SCORE's Reputation #1 Reason Potential Entrepreneurs Seek Advice According to U.S. Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SCORE, – www.score.org - America's non-profit volunteer network offering free and confidential small business advice is a primary asset to the advancement of commerce and job growth in American communities. Since 1964, SCORE has helped 9 million aspiring entrepreneurs successfully start and grow their small businesses and anticipates 2012 will be another productive year for small business success.  A recent U.S. Small Business Administration study cites SCORE's reputation as a trusted, FREE, small business resource as the #1 reason entrepreneurs seek out business counseling. The study, SBA ED Resources 10-11 Impact Study Final Report, also supports the trend that businesses receiving counseling are more successful overall. SCORE's network of 13,000+ volunteer mentors with invaluable business acumen across a variety of industries can be accessed for FREE at www.score.org and exists to support anyone along the road of entrepreneurship.  SCORE is a trusted name in business counseling and will continue on its mission to create 1 million American small businesses by 2017.

According to the International Franchise Association, 55% of Americans desire to "be their own boss," and 2012 is the year many will turn that dream into a reality.  SCORE stands at the ready to help all small business owners and those looking to achieve this dream. SCORE clients are more successful in small business because of the variety of resources and skill sets of its 13,000+ volunteer mentors who are able to cater to a variety of entrepreneurial profiles. One segment of these new entrepreneurs will be members of the baby boomer generation.  According to a report by The Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College, self-employment among the working population increases substantially as workers approach traditional retirement age.  This trend can be attributed to several factors including older workers' greater flexibility in work decisions, increased willingness to take on substantial risks later in life and improved access to investment capital.  Some retirees may require the continued financial income while others seek to occupy their time in a meaningful way.  Chet Ross, former Arizona district director of SCORE, notes, "A lot of retirees just don't want to sit around.  Now is the time to work on that dream that they've had for a long time. SCORE can help."

"This year SCORE will help even more small businesses start and grow, improving the economic vitality of local communities," says SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. "Our commitment to the American entrepreneur has never been stronger and our free resources have never been more effective and easier to find and to use. Taking advantage of SCORE's free, confidential mentoring and other valuable resources is a great resolution for all small business owners in 2012." 

Throughout the year, SCORE will focus on a variety of topics aimed at helping new entrepreneurs find success in 2012 including pricing a product or service, improving your company's web presence (search engine optimization), managing your cash flow, converting your leads into customers and much more.  Visit www.score.org for free access to business planning templates and expert tips on all aspects of starting your business, from how to secure financing and incorporate to how to protect yourself legally. 

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 13,000 business experts volunteer as mentors in 364 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 http://www.score.org/. Connect with SCORE at www.facebook.com/SCOREFans and www.twitter.com/SCOREMentors.

CONTACT: Shalini Karnani Bonjour, +1-800-634-0245, [email protected]

SOURCE SCORE Association