SCORE Offers Free Small Business Counseling

Small business owners and entrepreneurs in need of business advice now have access to free, confidential counseling services at the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has partnered with SCORE, a nationwide program of volunteers who assist small businesses in a wide variety of areas. Resources include individualized consulting and workshops on general business topics.

Founded in 1964, SCORE offers counseling services at no cost to help small business owners form and grow their businesses. With over 364 chapters nationwide, SCORE assists nearly 20,000 new small businesses each year through assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Working and retired volunteers from a variety of backgrounds offer one on one expertise and advice in many areas including: writing a business plan, marketing, finance, and operations. Group workshops will also be offered and online counseling is available for specialized areas.

Businesses or individuals interested in meeting with a SCORE counselor can contact the Seneca County Chamber at 315-568-2906, or stop at the Chamber at 2020 U.S. Routes 5 & 20, Seneca Falls. After providing some information, which is kept confidential, SCORE will identify a counselor with the appropriate background to meet the needs of the individual business and schedule an appointment. Consulting can be a one-time meeting or series of appointment. Information and forms are also available for
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Individuals interested in offering their expertise as volunteer counselors are also encouraged to contact the Chamber. Finance, accounting, law, marketing, and running a small business are among the backgrounds of counselors, but SCORE receives requests for assistance in many areas. SCORE works to balance the counseling assignments so as to not burden volunteers.