SCORE Mentors

06/02/2026

SCORE mentor Ke'Ira Lewis knows that some of the most rewarding parts of mentorship go beyond business advice.

Through SCORE, she has built meaningful relationships with entrepreneurs, supporting them as they grow their businesses and pursue their goals. What may start as a mentoring conversation can grow into a lasting connection rooted in trust, encouragement, and shared success.

Those relationships are what make mentorship so special.

If you're ready to share your expertise and build connections that make a difference, consider volunteering with SCORE. 💙

06/02/2026

Hable Espanol? ¿Hablas español? Únete a nosotros el 16 de junio a las 12:00 para este seminario web sobre cómo crear un plan de negocio rápido. Regístrate aquí: https://bit.ly/4dn7JEk

06/01/2026

Learning never stops when you’re building your dream! 🌟

Join SCORE mentors and small business experts for low-cost webinars and local events designed to help entrepreneurs like you succeed.

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

“I took a class in business school about becoming an entrepreneur by acquiring someone else’s great idea. The concept resonated with me.”

After nearly a decade in corporate America, the owner of Blue Wrench Truck and Auto Repair decided it was time to make the leap.

In 2022, he and his business partner acquired a repair shop with more than 30 years of history serving Idaho's Treasure Valley. But buying a business and growing one are two very different challenges.

That’s why he reached out to SCORE almost immediately.

What he found wasn't just advice. It was a team of experienced business leaders willing to challenge assumptions, offer honest feedback, and help chart a smarter path forward. When he considered pursuing government contracts, his mentors advised a different route. Their guidance helped him focus on opportunities that better aligned with his goals and resources.

Since then, monthly meetings with SCORE mentors Dave and Don have become a cornerstone of the business's growth. From hiring and HR to marketing and expansion, they serve as trusted advisors and accountability partners.

“Having an experienced group of business experts as a sounding board is extremely helpful.”

Today, Blue Wrench continues to grow, serving everyone from Kenworth trucks to Honda sedans and helping keep the Treasure Valley moving.

Learn how SCORE helped turn a business acquisition into a growth strategy.

05/27/2026

¿Hablas español? Únete a nosotros el 9 de junio a las 18:00 para este seminario web sobre cómo crear proyecciones financieras. Regístrate aquí: https://bit.ly/3RowLue

05/26/2026

“One thing I’ve really realized is how important guidance and mentorship are when growing a business.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Austin Gerling didn't grow up around business owners or people teaching financial strategy. Much of the journey was learned through experience, mistakes, and figuring things out along the way.

That’s why SCORE mentorship made such a difference.

“It’s helping me accomplish goals, structure things properly, and just giving me someone I feel comfortable discussing business with.”

As businesses grow, so do the decisions. Having someone to share lessons, offer perspective, and help navigate the next level can make all the difference.

“I really believe there’s enough opportunity out there for everyone, and that we all grow faster when people are willing to help each other learn.”

05/26/2026

Attention: Small Business Entrepreneurs. Don't miss this Business Resource & Networking Event - June 3rd, at 9:30 pm at the Ringwood Public Library. Presented by Borough of Ringwood Economic Development and sponsored by M&T Bank. Meet representatives from: County of Passaic Economic Development, NJEDA, NJSBDC at WPU, WCEC, SCORE Northeast NJ, New Frontier and Twocents. RSVP to attend: [email protected]

05/25/2026

💡 Ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers live webinars and local workshops to help you start, grow, and thrive.

05/21/2026

Attention: Small Business Owners! Do you know when you need a business valuation? Join this FREE webinar on May 26 at 12:00 noon to learn about the 10 key situations where you need to know your business valuation. SPONSORED By: Sun Business Valuations. Register here: https://bit.ly/3RAKC0s

05/10/2026

Introducing the SCOREboard:

Our very own virtual bulletin board built for THIS community.

Each week, we’ll post a prompt where you can share wins, ask questions, swap insights, and support fellow entrepreneurs along the way.

Think of it as your space to show up, speak up, and connect.

New week, new prompt 👇

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Pin it to the SCOREboard 📌

In honor of Mother's Day, what advice do you have for MOMpreneurs?

We'll use the comment section as a sounding board to offer resources and support.

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Have something YOU want to ask other entrepreneurs? DM us to submit your prompts. 📩

05/09/2026

“He shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

For Mark and Shannon Debner, building their business was never easy — but in 2008, everything changed overnight.

Just months after acquiring another company and moving into a new facility, a devastating flood destroyed the future they had carefully planned. Then came the economic collapse. Between June 2008 and January 2009, DPI moved three times while fighting to keep the business alive.

But quitting was never part of the plan.

Through determination, long hours, and an unwavering commitment to their team and customers, the owners of DPI Quality Custom Finishes rebuilt piece by piece. Along the way, SCORE mentor Scott Loggins became a steady source of guidance and support during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.

“He has experienced what we’ve been through, and he came out on the other side,” Mark shared. “He shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

With SCORE’s help developing a new business plan and navigating constant change, Mark and Shannon turned disaster into resilience — proving that sometimes success is not about avoiding the storm, but finding the strength to rebuild after it.

05/08/2026

Something special happened in the Learning Lab this week 🧪

Ideas → action
Connections → opportunities
Entrepreneurs → growth

Two days. Ten webinars. 5,000+ registrants.

Same time next year? 👀

05/07/2026

In light of NSBW, we're excited to announce that we're teaming up with to bring you a series of AI webinars this year.

Join us to learn about how Google AI can help your business and get more details about the free Google AI Professional Certificate for U.S. small businesses.

Build AI fluency with hands-on training from Google experts. Master tools like Gemini & NotebookLM through 20+ activities designed to help you work smarter.

05/07/2026

: Finding Grants and Sponsorships: Locate Opportunities, Apply Confidently, Stand Out to Funders

Cheryl Smith is closing out our National Small Business Week Learning Lab with some words of encouragement!

05/07/2026

Thank you for a wonderful called, “How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business. this has been an amazing two-day experience.

05/07/2026

: How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business

Ramon Ray delivering hot takes on transitioning into an entrepreneur! Are you tuning in?

05/07/2026

: AI in 2026: What’s Changing and What It Means for Small Business

SCORE mentors Matthew and Charlie are discussing where AI fits in the small business workflow!