Tens of thousands voice support for nonprofit that has helped 17 million small businesses start and grow.
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2025 -- What's good for small business is good for America, and America's small business community is urging Congress to protect funding for SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Tens of thousands have already responded to SCORE's call to action after President Trump's FY26 Discretionary Budget Request, released on May 2, proposed the elimination of the nonprofit's $17 million in federal funding.
"We are grateful for the incredible response we have received so far from supporters, and call on Congress to heed their messages and protect SCORE's funding," said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. "For 61 years, SCORE has played a powerful role in the small business ecosystem. With over 10,000 volunteer mentors nationwide, SCORE's ability to provide free, expert business advice to 300,000 entrepreneurs a year would not be possible without federal support."
Following SCORE's urgent call to action, America's small business community has rallied, generating nearly 50,000 letters to Congress, sharing #StandWithSCORE posts on social media, and inspiring impassioned testimonials from entrepreneurs, volunteers and supporters.
From entrepreneurs SCORE has helped:
- "At one of my lowest points, I found hope—and it came in the form of the SBA and SCORE in Omaha, Nebraska. They took what I did know and polished it, taught me what I didn't, and helped kickstart my flourish as an entrepreneur. That moment changed the course of my life." – SCORE client Carlotta "Lottie" Jackson-Kelly, Vital Defense & Prevention
- "When I first discovered SCORE, I was ecstatic and grateful for all the resources that were so readily available at my fingertips. From live and virtual workshops to the ability to get paired with a mentor, it's a dream for anyone looking to learn, grow and build something meaningful." – SCORE client Christina Kolokotroni, RVRIE studio
From business experts who volunteer with SCORE:
- "When you see a business that is shuttered after a year or two of struggling, they most likely started with a great idea, lots of passion and enthusiasm, but without mentoring. When you see a small business that is flourishing, expanding, demonstrating creative marketing and pivoting to meet constantly changing needs, they have most likely been mentored by a SCORE volunteer." – SCORE mentor Marc Goldberg, former oil/gas CEO, author and small business founder
- "SCORE is not just a cost-effective use of federal funds—it is an economic catalyst. The return on investment is indisputable. For every federal dollar appropriated, SCORE returns a measurable impact in the form of job creation, small business starts, and local economic stimulation." – SCORE volunteer David Mortaz, AI entrepreneur and angel investor
From SCORE's community partners and supporters:
- "Throughout the years, we at SBDC have witnessed firsthand how SCORE's devoted mentors have guided countless individuals through the challenging journey of entrepreneurship, offering wisdom, encouragement and expertise that no textbook could provide." – Texas State University Small Business Development Center
- "SCORE is incredibly supportive of our Chamber, our members, and our community as a whole. Please consider sending a message to help this volunteer, nonprofit organization continue its impactful work." – Lebanon Valley (Pa.) Chamber of Commerce
- "SCORE has long been a trusted ally for business owners navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through one-on-one mentoring and accessible business resources, SCORE helps transform vision into strategy and ambition into action." – Jen Earle, CEO, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
- "SCORE has been a treasured friend and partner of FranNet's for over 30 years. The work that this organization does is amazing." – Jania Bailey, CEO of FranNet, franchise consulting firm
- "With 99.9% of U.S. businesses being small, it's not hard to see why SCORE has supported more than 17 million entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams…American small business owners count on SCORE volunteers to help them succeed." – U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC)
- "SCORE's volunteer mentors empower women business owners with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to grow, create jobs and strengthen their communities. We are proud to champion SCORE's mission and impact." – Angela Dingle, President & CEO, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)
SCORE continues to call on small business owners, mentors and supporters nationwide to contact Congress with one clear message: Protect SCORE. Protect American small businesses.
CLICK HERE to take action now.
This campaign is funded exclusively by the SCORE Foundation, without the use of federal funds.
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
CONTACT:
SCORE
202-968-6428
media@score.org
Visit SCORE's media resources to connect with expert small business interview sources and news updates.
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