SCORE Ramps Up Training and Business Development Assistance; More Than 900 Will Access Free Small Business Advice on May 9

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May 09, 2011, 09:59 ET

Unveiling of New Client-Focused Website, Brand and Mentor Training Program Will Help Americans Grow 1 Million Successful Small Businesses By 2017

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the U.S. economy continues to face challenges related to job growth and job security, increasing numbers of Americans are starting and growing small businesses as a way to provide financial security for themselves and their families; utilize their skills and expertise, and contribute to their communities and industries. These ever-growing numbers of entrepreneurs can look to SCORE to help them ensure that their existing small businesses survive and thrive for the life of their business.

On Monday, May 9, more than 900 people will be in attendance as SCORE unveils its new website (score.org) at the DC Convention Center. SCORE had anticipated welcoming 500 aspiring and current small business owners to this event, but the free program has "sold out" with more than 900 people registered – a clear indication of the level of interest Americans have in finding ways to create jobs and grow their businesses.

The new website, along with SCORE's rebranding campaign and implementation of a standardized mentoring certification process are integral elements underpinning the organization's commitment to entrepreneurs and the revitalization of the American economy.

Small business has always been the engine of America's economy and SCORE – mentors to America's small businesses – has provided invaluable, hands-on free mentoring and business development expertise to aspiring entrepreneurs for close to 40 years.

In 2010:

SCORE clients started a total of 58,637 new businesses and despite a turbulent economy;
at least 91% of SCORE's 2010 clients remained in business in 2011.

Equally important – and of note to anyone who has been searching for a job:

SCORE client businesses created 71,449 jobs and helped 11,045 small businesses save an estimated 17,629 jobs in 2010.

"Small businesses employ about half of all U.S. workers," said SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. "In fact, small firms accounted for 9.8 million of the 15 million net new jobs created between 1993 and 2009," he added. "We expect the launch of our new client-focused, data-driven website – along with the introduction of our new branding campaign and standardized mentoring training process – to reassure aspiring and current small business owners that SCORE continues to focus on its mission of providing entrepreneurs with valuable skills and business-building tools through our free expert mentors and resources. SCORE is here to help for the life of their businesses."

SCORE is in the second year of its campaign to help launch or grow 1 million successful small businesses by 2017. Its new web site will give small business owners an easy way to connect with its 364 chapter web sites. The site will also feature "best practice" resources, an improved user experience and myriad of ways for SCORE's 13,000 volunteers to stay in close touch with small business owners – providing each of them with one-on-one advice and guidance to help their businesses succeed and grow. SCORE's overall approach, which partners experienced business professionals with entrepreneurs and existing small business owners, has proven to be highly effective for local communities as well as the larger American economy that benefits from the creativity, skills and perseverance of its citizens and the businesses (and jobs) they create.

Please join us for this important, complimentary, small business event.

What:	SCORE's Rebranding Launch Event
Date:	May 9, 2011
Time:	12:00 p.m. EDT
Location:	Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C.
	801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
	Washington, DC 20001

Program:	A "Live" Brand Re-Launch, featuring:
	Julie Kantor
	Exec. Dir., NFTE DC Region at Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

	W. Kenneth Yancey, Jr.
	Chief Executive Officer, SCORE

	Julie Faigenbaum
	Vice President, Brand & Marketing, American Express OPEN

	Richard Leslie
	SCORE Volunteer, San Diego, CA

	Charles Ruetsch
	President and Owner, Health Analytics, Columbia, MD

Why Attend: Meet corporate, government and small business leaders who are all committed to SCORE's mission of helping small businesses succeed. Learn about the new initiatives SCORE is rolling out to better serve small businesses looking to start or grow.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 9 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through mentoring and workshops. More than 13,000 volunteer business counselors in 354 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of 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 on the Web at www.score.org and www.score.org/women.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Bridget Weston Pollack, Marketing Director, SCORE
(703) 487-3627
[email protected]

SOURCE SCORE