SCORE is a nonprofit association comprised of over 11,000 volunteer men and women business counselors in over 370 chapters nationwide and an online CyberChapter. Its mission is to provide professional guidance and information to America's existing and emerging small businesses. SCORE members are trained to offer counseling and training to aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners at no or low cost. SCORE was formed in 1964 and more than 8 million Americans have used its services. Annually, it conducts over 190,000 face-to-face counseling sessions, over 110,000 online counseling sessions, and over 13,000 workshops attended by 0ver 130,000 clients. These total over 430,000 client sessions per year.

SCORE Association is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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It is the SCORE chapter which covers Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties. It has more than 45 members who counsel and present workshops throughout these counties. Members have many years of business experience in a variety of business and technical areas. Members meet monthly at the Oakland office to coordinate affairs. Last year, Chapter members conducted more than 1,400 individual face-to-face counseling sessions and more than 2,400 email counseling sessions. About 40 Workshops were held in 8 different locations which were attended by more than 550 attendees. Annual total client contacts exceeded 4,400 individuals.

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SCORE offers free counseling to start-up and established small businesses. Counseling is by appointment for one hour each with any of the Chapter's 40 experienced volunteer counselors. Unlimited follow-on counseling sessions can be scheduled. Counseling locations and times are listed in Counseling. Free counseling by any of 1,200 nationwide email counselors is also offered by email to persons who request it on National SCORE site www.score.org .

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SCORE offers workshops shown in Workshops. These all day and two-hour workshops are presented by SCORE counselors with specific experience and working professionals. They are excellent values.

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The key qualification is real-world experience, preferably in the same industry as the client. All members receive specialized training offered by SCORE to improve listening skills, counseling methods and problem-solving techniques.

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SCORE offers free counseling in face-to-face sessions by appointment (see Counseling) and in email responses to inquiries made on www.score.org . SCORE's experienced business experts provide general business advice on every aspect of business, like how to write a business plan, cash flow management, etc. Clients are matched with counselors with specific applicable experience whenever possible.

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Yes. All SCORE counselors keep client information confidential. They sign and abide by the SCORE Code of Ethics.

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Since 1964, SCORE has helped over 4.5 million entrepreneurs and small businesses. It provides about 360,000 business services a year.

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See the Volunteer webpage or call 510-273-6611.

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