SCORE (the Service Corps of Retired Executives) is one of the best small business resources in America – and one of the most underappreciated. No matter what stage your business is in, SCORE can provide you with your very own business consultant (usually a retired business exec.) who will meet with you, face-to-face, to help you solve problems or answer questions on starting and growing your business. Or you can select a counselor online and correspond by email. Here are three keys to understanding what SCORE can do for your business:

1. There are about 10,500 experienced SCORE counselors nationwide, and they offer nearly 600 distinct business skills at your disposal.
2. SCORE also offers a hugely-popular email counseling program. "Ask SCORE" counselors are available online to answer questions and help you solve problems with Web-based convenience.
3. Counseling and workshops are offered at 389 SCORE chapter offices nationwide.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Discover what SCORE has to offer and sign up for free in-person counseling

Business consultants often charge between $100 and as much as $500 per hour. But expert SCORE counseling from individuals who've 'been there, done that,' is free and confidential. Volunteers – many former Fortune 500 executives or successful entrepreneurs – join your team as mentors.

I recommend: Get a quick overview of all SCORE has to offer at the main Web site. Find a local chapter to sign up for mentoring. Just enter your Zip Code or city and state. You can also call SCORE for a location at (800) 634-0245.

Visit a local SCORE chapter website

Most local SCORE chapters also have their own websites where you can obtain detailed information about what's offered in your area, schedule an appointment and get directions to the office.

I recommend: Find your city, or something nearby, from the SCORE list of local chapter websites. For driving directions, get a map to your local chapter.

Get expert answers quickly and easily by email

The 'Ask SCORE' service lets you submit your most pressing business questions via email 24/7 and receive an answer within 48 hours via email.

I recommend: Submit your question easily online. Search from among over 1,400 "virtual counselors" by expertise or by state. The SCORE site gives you a brief profile of each individual and their special business expertise.

Discover 60-second answers on key business questions

SCORE's 60-Second Guides on a variety of topics are worthwhile reading and can get you answers quickly.

I recommend: SCORE 60-Second Guides (also available in Spanish) cover business planning, finance, human resources, office management, marketing, customer service & sales, and technology.

View success stories of small businesses that have worked with SCORE

This is a very cool section of the SCORE site filled with fun-to-read profiles of small biz owners who've grown their businesses with help from SCORE.

I recommend: Find out how other business owners are succeeding with free and confidential business counseling from SCORE. Look for new stories monthly. The success story archive includes profiles of businesses in dozens of different industries.

Sign up for local business workshops and free e-newsletters

Some workshops require a small fee. They are geared for both startups and entrepreneurs already in business. Free business planning and business structure workbooks are also available at local chapters.

I recommend: Get full details on workshops and materials at your nearest chapter. Sign up for SCORE eNews and Expert Answers eNewsletter.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Business counseling relationships can last just a few sessions or a number of years, based on your needs as an entrepreneur.
• •  Prepare for your counseling session by arriving with a well-thought-out idea, preliminary business plan and other information that will help you maximize your one-on-one consultation.
• •  SCORE volunteers sometimes counsel in teams, bringing a specific strength to the table. Counselors may be available to visit you at your place of business to learn about your venture and concerns.
• •  Workshop training covers a variety of topics, from writing a business plan to importing/exporting to e-commerce. Workshops also offer a chance to network withother local business owners.