I had a chance to visit with Ken Yancey, CEO of SCORE for this episode of the  Duct Tape Marketing podcast.

SCORE is an underutilized resource for small business owners who are just starting and want to get some help from a season, often retired, business owner or executive. And did I mention it’s free!

What is/Who is SCORE? From the website

SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors. SCORE was founded in 1964.

The thing that many small business owners may not know however is that you can find a local chapter and work with a local counselor or you can get matched up to a counselor, nationwide, that may have the exact experience you are looking for. The first step is to locate a local chapter and then dig in and find out all the ways they can help you start and grow your business.

On a related note, SCORE recently partnered with OPEN from American Express to create the “Small Business Speed Coaching Test Drive,” a multi-city seminar tour designed to support small business growth and trigger success through complimentary educational and mentorship programs. The first event, held Nov 8th in Orlando sold out. Future events are planned for Dallas, Phoenix, Atlanta and Chicago. Details are forthcoming here

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing podcast is brought to you by att.com/onwardsmallbiz. Resources for the small business owner.