AFI Program and SBA / SCORE Partnership

The AFI Resource Center is collaborating with the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE to strengthen the support AFI grantees provide to participants saving for small business start-up or expansion.

About SCORE

SCORE , a U.S. Small Business resource partner, is a nonprofit association with more than 389 chapter offices nationwide. It is the nation's premier source of free and confidential advice for small business. Upwards of 10,500 working and retired business professionals volunteer through SCORE to advise a new generation of entrepreneurs. The SCORE web site includes many business planning tools and templates. Its chapters provide one-on-one counseling and email-based advice. Many of them also sponsor a variety of business training workshops and seminars.

How does SCORE help small businesses?  

SCORE's expert counselors provide business advice on such topics as how to write a business plan, cash flow management, and growing or expanding an existing business. Entrepreneurs can tap into SCORE counseling services via face-to-face sessions or online at www.score.org.

What does SCORE charge for its services?  

SCORE's business counseling services are offered at no cost. The chapters charge a fee for workshops and seminars. The fees generally range from $20-$75.

Does SCORE work with the Small Business Administration (SBA)?

Yes. As a resource partner, SCORE operates in cooperation with the SBA to provide entrepreneurs with information vital to their success, including counseling on loans and finance options, business planning, marketing strategies, product development, and more.

Who are SCORE counselors?

SCORE counselors offer real world experience gained from owning their own business or serving in business management positions. Counselors may be retired or working business owners, business executives, or operations managers. All the counselors have received specialized training by the association.

How can I find a SCORE chapter near me?

With 389 SCORE chapters across the country, it's likely that one is located in your city or region. The Find Score web site lists addresses and contact information.

Does SCORE provide on-line Business Workshops?

Yes! The Business Tools section of the SCORE web site features a wealth of information for new entrepreneurs including free online workshops on the following six topics:

Developing a Business Plan
Creating a Competitive Advantage
Pricing Products and Services
Creating a Profit and Loss Statement
Promoting Your Business
Building a Web Site

Does SCORE provide templates and tools for small businesses?

You bet! The Template Gallery section of the SCORE web site includes many downloadable templates and forms designed especially for small businesses. Here is a sample:

Business Plan for a Start-Up Business
Cash Flow Statement (12 months)
Personal Financial Statement
Profit and Loss Projection (12 months)
Start-Up Expenses

How can AFI Project participants get free on-line advice and assistance?

Ask SCORE is a free online service for entrepreneurs. AFI participants can submit questions via the Ask SCORE link and get expert advice and suggestions from an online counselor. Questions can be submitted 24/7 and answers come within 48 hours.

How can AFI grantees and their participants work closely with their local SCORE chapter?

Please contact the AFI Resource Center for more information:
Email:   afiprogram@acf.hhs.gov
Telephone:  (202) 401-4626