SCORE volunteers are primarily retired, but with some active business owners or managers. We are men and women from all types of business backgrounds, who take satisfaction in sharing the knowledge gained from our years of experience with people who have the energy and desire to start their own business. SCORE counselors--serving as mentors, workshop leaders, counselors, and teachers--have already helped make business dreams come true for many thousands of small business owners. We can help you too.

The Medford Branch (under the aegis of the Willamette Chapter) of SCORE has over 12 active volunteer members in the Ashland-to-Grants Pass metropolitan area (current volunteer roster). The Medford Branch has been in existence since 2005. During that time our volunteers have consistently provided outstanding service to the small business entrepreneur.

Whether you are considering starting your own business, have a business that is experiencing problems, are ready to expand, or need other types of business advice, SCORE can help. Counseling sessions are personal and confidential. All you need is an idea for your business. Counseling before a business starts-up is an important part of our service. If you have your business idea in hand, why not let the counselors at SCORE work with you to turn your dream into reality.

SCORE is dedicated to helping all current and potential business owners and entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Through individual counseling or group workshops, SCORE can help you with every phase of starting and growing a successful business. As counselors, mentors, or simply sounding boards, we can normally offer a unique perspective and act as role models for your business success. From developing a business plan to getting financing, from management to expansion, SCORE is there to help -- and it is free. SCORE counselors volunteer because we have enjoyed successful business careers and want to give something back to the community. Moreover, we get great satisfaction from the accomplishments and successes realized by our clients.

We can offer help on:

SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Business, is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, whose mission is to help small businesses and small business entrepreneurs become successful. Since 1964, SCORE has provided free business counseling and advice, email counseling, and workshops through local chapter offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

SCORE receives a federal grant from Congress to support counseling and workshop efforts based on helping entrepreneurs. The grant is administered by the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In addition to SBA funding, SCORE is supported by donations and (sometimes) workshop fees.

SCORE assisted over 300,000 small business owners in 2000 and over 4.5 million since its founding. We have over 390 chapters in over 750 locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

SCORE counselors provide key services, both face-to-face, by telephone and online, to busy entrepreneurs just starting out, or in need of a seasoned business professional. SCORE counselors can act as a sounding board for the entrepreneur's existing business, or while contemplating an expansion. SCORE counselors can also help you weed out the bad business ideas, show you how to write solid business plans, and help you apply for SBA-guaranteed loans.

To find out more about the National SCORE organization or to arrange for e-mail counseling, visit SCORE's national web site: http://www.score.org