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SCORE is a volunteer, nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Dutchess Chapter of SCORE has offered free and confidential mentoring and low and no-cost workshops, on every aspect of business planning, start-up, management and growth since 1964.
Volunteers are comprised of working and retired business owners and executives. Having handled the challenges and decisions that many entrepreneurs face today, they offer real-world business advice, according to Ramesh Mirchandani, DutchessSCORE Co-Chair.
Mentors sign a Code of Ethics that includes protection of a person's business information and ideas. SCORE mentoring services are free, regardless of how often a person consults mentors.
When someone requests a mentor, SCORE will work to assign a match based on need, industry and location. If it's not a good fit, another mentor will be sought.
Daytime or evening appointments are available at the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce in Poughkeepsie, onsite at the business owner's location, or other mutually convenient locations.
SCORE does not provide grants, business loans, CPA services, or legal services, but mentors can suggest outside resources.
Also offered are,
- Downloadable business guides and templates;
- small business quizzes;
- online workshops;
- live webinars;
- blog with current trends in entrepreneurship.
SCORE offers several volunteer opportunities for working and retired business people and entrepreneurs including Mentoring, Workshop Facilitator, Community Outreach, Marketing, Fundraising and Administrative roles.
To request a SCORE mentor and an appointment, see the Dutchess SCORE website and click on the “Request a Meeting” button in the green “Get Free Local Mentoring” box.
To become a SCORE volunteer, complete an online application.
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