SCORE Celebrates 50 Years of Empowering Small Businesses

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Nov 14, 2013, 02:00 ET

Encourages all consumers to shop small & local on November 30^th

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SCORE, a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses throughout the US and its territories through education and mentorship, is kicking off its 50^th anniversary (#10MilSmallBiz ) by celebrating the accomplishments of small businesses everywhere by celebrating Small Business Saturday on November 30^th, 2013.

Small Business Saturday, an annual event occurring on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, encourages holiday shoppers to purchase gifts and dine out at locally owned and operated businesses. Many small businesses will be running Small Business Saturday promotions as it is the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

"For the past 50 years, SCORE has helped over 10 million small businesses across the country reach their goals," says Ken Yancey, CEO of SCORE. "That is 1 business every 3 minutes since 1964. By shopping or eating at a small business in your neighborhood on Saturday, November 30^th, you are reinforcing how important that business is to the community and the national economy," adds Yancey.

Responsible for creating 64% of net new private-sector jobs,[1] small businesses are vital components to our economy's growth. Consumers can support this growing sector by supporting the small firms, restaurants and other independent retailers in their communities.

"As we celebrate this 50^th year, our commitment to helping small businesses is stronger than ever," adds Yancey. "With 11,000+ volunteers and mentors in 62 industries and more than 340 locations nationwide, small business owners are able to find the help they need via our different programs. From one-to-one free and confidential mentoring to group seminars or workshops, to the thousands of current and relevant small business resources available on www.score.org, SCORE is ready to help 10 million more." To learn more about SCORE's 50^th Anniversary celebrations, please visit http://www.score.org/celebrate-50th-anniversary and #10MilSmallBiz.

ABOUT SCORE:
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 10 million aspiring entrepreneurs. Each year, SCORE provides small business mentoring and workshops to more than 375,000 new and growing small businesses. More than 11,000 business experts volunteer as mentors in over 340 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. Connect with SCORE at www.facebook.com/SCOREFans, www.twitter.com/SCOREMentors and #10MilSmallBiz

[1] U.S. Census Bureau, SUSB, CPS; International Trade Administration; Bureau of Labor Statistics, BED; Advocacy-funded research, Small Business GDP: Update 2002-2010.

NOTE TO THE EDITOR:
Ken Yancey is available for follow up interviews. To see Ken on camera, please see review his latest appearance on Fox News. Additional information can be found at http://www.score.org/Media_Resources. Should you like to speak with any small businesses in your area who have worked with SCORE, I will do my best to accommodate.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Beth Silver
Doubet Consulting
917-209-2703
[email protected]

SOURCE SCORE