SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit association comprised of 11,500 volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories. These "Counselors to America's Small Business" are located at 389 SCORE chapters in urban, suburban and rural communities. SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors, advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. These services are offered free, as a community service. SCORE was formed in 1964 and nearly 4.5 million Americans have utilized SCORE services.

In Bucks County, SCORE Chapter 570 has three locations: at the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce in Fairless Hills, at the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce in Perkasie, and at the Bucks County Economic Development Corp. offices in Doylestown.

SCORE's experienced business experts provide general business advice on everything from writing a business plan to cash flow management. Assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs may involve investigating the market potential for a product or service and assessing the capital needs to start a business. Counselors can provide insight into how to start a business, operate a business, buy a business or franchise and sell a business.

SCORE also offes low-cost workshops and seminars. Topics are planned to help address specific interests in the community. Basic workshop fees generally range from $20-$75 depending upon the program. Workshop topics have included: Developing Your Business Plan, Starting and Operating Your Own Business, Getting Financing For Your Business, Basic Business Accounting, Expanding Your Business and Marketing-A Do-It-Yourself Approach for Small Business.

To contact Bucks County's SCORE Chapter 570, call 215-943-8850 (Fairless Hills), 215-257-5390 (Perkasie), or 215-943-8850 (Doylestown). For a complete list of upcoming seminars and workshops, click here.