Membership

Introduction

Ready to retire from your day job but still want to contribute to the new business economy?  Are you a working business professional who wants to volunteer your expertise to help small businesses succeed?  SCORE may be just the opportunity you are looking for to share your business knowledge and experience.  Help emerging businesses succeed and stay active in the local and national small business marketplace.

SCORE Chapter 23 in Rochester, New York, organized in 1964, has over 60 members who volunteer their time and energy to counsel and mentor those starting or operating small businesses.  Experienced counselors help clients gain the knowledge that helps them succeed in their business ventures.

In addition to counseling activities, SCORE members put on low cost workshops, serve as speakers telling others about SCORE and help out in various SCORE support activities.  The chapter meets on the second Friday of each month where a presentation is given on a business-related topic. See more details about membership.

 

Benefits of SCORE Volunteerism

Most SCORE members say that staying abreast of current business trends and helping small businesses succeed and grow is the only reward they need for volunteering.  You will also:

• Enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to the success of others.
• Gain the respect and recognition of your peers and associates.
• Demonstrate the skills and knowledge that led to your successful career.
• Provide leadership to your community.
• Enjoy opportunities for ongoing education.

You can benefit by contributing to the growth of your community and gain personal satisfaction from sharing your knowledge with business start-ups, growing businesses and struggling businesses. SCORE business counselors often say, "we want to give something back to the community".  SCORE is a great way to contribute to the strength of your community.

Membership in SCORE will help you grow personally and professionally.
 

Do You Possess the Right Skills to Volunteer with SCORE?

Here are some of the many volunteer roles available for you:

• Business, administrative and management expertise
• Computer literacy
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to grow and accept change
• Desire to stay current with the new business economy
• Talent for leading others

Membership Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who are SCORE members?

SCORE members are successful, business professionals just like you. The men and women of SCORE have owned, operated and/or managed businesses. The skills of business counselors represent different talents, generations, ethnic groups and strengths. The variety of people and skills adds value to the quality of SCORE's business advice.

Do I have to be retired to join SCORE?

No. A number of SCORE members own businesses, manage corporations or own consulting firms. These working professionals contribute to SCORE as counselors and workshop presenters, just as our retired professionals volunteer. Both retired and working professionals are welcome in SCORE.

Why Does SCORE Interview Candidates Before Accepting Members?

There are many business people with exceptional business management skills. However, transferring business skills into a counseling and mentoring situation requires additional and different skills than a business owner or manager may have used in his or her career. The interview process allow both the SCORE chapter and the potential SCORE member to see if this volunteer opportunity is a good fit for the organization and potential counselor.

Why Do New SCORE Members Participate in a Training Program?

All new SCORE members participate in an orientation and training program, so they understand SCORE's mission, services and the opportunities for volunteer participation. The Counselor Professional Development Program also provides guidance on how to be a business counselor and apply new listening, interviewing and problem-solving skills—specifically to business counseling and mentoring.