Business Plan Template for an Established Business - SCORE.org
Download our free business plan template for your established business as a Word doc. A business plan for an established business serves as ...
SCORE mentor
After you complete the worksheets, print them out, and you will have a working business plan for your established business. Then, contact a <anchor>SCORE mentor</anchor> to review and refine your plan.
Find a Mentor | SCORE
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TranslateEnglishAfrikaansAlbanianArabicArmenianAzerbaijaniBasqueBelarusianBengaliBosnianBulgarianCatalanCebuanoChinese (Simplified)Chinese (Traditional)CroatianCzechDanishDutchEsperantoEstonianFilipinoFinnishFrenchGalicianGeorgianGermanGreekGujaratiHaitian CreoleHausaHebrewHindiHmongHungarianIcelandicIgboIndonesianIrishItalianJapaneseJavaneseKannadaKhmerKoreanLaoLatinLatvianLithuanianMacedonianMalayMalteseMaoriMarathiMongolianNepaliNorwegianPersianPolishPortuguesePunjabiRomanianRussianSerbianSlovakSlovenianSomaliSpanishSwahiliSwedishTamilTeluguThaiTurkishUkrainianUrduVietnameseWelshYiddishYorubaZulu

Use my current location

The Chaga Company owner Gavin Escolar with SCORE Mentor Pete Slosberg

Get Free Business Advice from a SCORE Mentor

SCORE can help you start, grow or successfully exit a business. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth. Enter your ZIP code to find a free SCORE business mentor today.

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Mentor Matchmaker

Discover the ideal SCORE mentor tailored to your specific needs by utilizing our Mentor Matchmaker. This tool allows you to refine your search by filtering options such as industry, location, area of expertise, and various other criteria, ensuring a match that aligns with your unique business needs.

##### Set your search preferences to find a good match. You can also search by keyword below or use our LiveChat feature to chat with a SCORE representative about finding a mentor.

Select a location

Select a location, or use “All Locations” to search nationwide.

Select a location

- All locations -AkronAlabamaAlaskaAlbuquerqueAnn Arbor AreaAshevilleAtlantaAustinBaton Rouge AreaBellinghamBerks and Schuylkill CtyBillingsBlue RidgeBostonBozemanBrowardBucks CountyBuffalo NiagaraCantonCape Cod & the IslandsCape Fear RegionCapital CorridorCentral CoastCentral FloridaCentral JerseyCentral MaineCentral NYCentral NebraskaCentral OregonCentral PACentral ValleyCentral VirginiaCentral WashingtonChapel Hill DurhamCharleston SCCharlotteChattanoogaChester and Delaware CountiesChicagoClevelandCoachella ValleyCoastal CarolinaColumbus GAColumbus OHCorpus ChristiDallasDaytonDecaturDelawareDenverDes MoinesEast BayEast Central IowaEast Central OhioEastern CTEastern IdahoEl PasoEvansvilleFairfield CountyFort WorthFox CitiesFox ValleyGrand ForksGrand RapidsGrand StrandGranite RegionGreater AikenGreater BaltimoreGreater CincinnatiGreater HartfordGreater KnoxvilleGreater OmahaGreater PhoenixGreater RochesterGreater SeattleGreater Wabash ValleyGreater WichitaGreen BayHampton RoadsHawaiiHoustonIndianapolisInland EmpireJacksonvilleKalamazoo/SW MichiganKansas CityKentuckianaLake of the OzarksLancaster-LebanonLas CrucesLas VegasLehigh ValleyLincolnLittle RockLong Beach/South BayLong IslandLos AngelesMadisonMaine DistrictManasotaMemphisMetro NJMiami DadeMid-Columbia Tri-CitiesMid-FloridaMid-Hudson ValleyMid-MarylandMiddle GeorgiaMidlandsMississippiModesto-MercedMonmouthMuskegonNC Piedmont TriadNW IndianaNaplesNashvilleNature CoastNebraska Route 81New Hampshire and VermontNew HavenNew OrleansNew York CityNorth Central IndianaNorth Central OhioNorth CoastNorth Cook and Lake CountiesNorth FloridaNorth Metro AtlantaNortheast GeorgiaNortheast IndianaNortheast MassachusettsNortheast NJNortheast NYNortheast PennsylvaniaNorthern ArizonaNorthern MaineNorthern NevadaNorthwest ArkansasNorthwest ConnecticutNorthwest New JerseyNorthwest OhioOklahoma CityOrange CountyOrlandoPalm Beach CountyPasco-HernandoPeoriaPhiladelphiaPiedmontPinellas CountyPittsburghPort CharlottePortlandPrairie and LakesPrincetonPuerto RicoPutnam County, NYQuad CitiesQueensRaleighRhode IslandRichmondRio Grande ValleyRockland CountySC LowcountrySCORE Video MentoringSE MassachusettsSE MichiganSE WisconsinSW WashingtonSan AntonioSan DiegoSan FranciscoSan Luis ObispoSandhillsSanta BarbaraSanta Fe & Northern NMSavannahSeacoastSilicon ValleySouth Central IndianaSouth Central MNSouth DakotaSouth GeorgiaSouth MetroSouth Sound/TacomaSoutheast MinnesotaSoutheast New JerseySouthern ArizonaSouthern ColoradoSouthern MaineSouthern MarylandSouthwest FloridaSouthwest MissouriSpace CoastSpokaneSt. LouisStaten IslandSusquehannaTampaTip of the MittTraverse CityTreasure CoastTreasure ValleyTriCountyTulsaTwin CitiesUSDAUtahVentura CountyVermontVolusia/FlaglerW. MassachusettsWashington DCWest Central Wisconsin & UP of MichiganWest VirginiaWest-Central North DakotaWestchesterWestern ConnecticutWestern MontanaWestern NCWestmorelandWilliamsburgWorcesterWyoming

How would you like to meet with your mentor?

Select at least one meeting type. If In Person is selected, a specific location must be selected.

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What is your preferred language?

Select at least one language. Mentors in the results will match at least one of the selected languages.

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In what areas are you looking for mentoring?

Select at least one area of expertise. We’ll try, but results may not always be an exact match.

Accounting & FinanceAdvertisingBookkeepingBrandingBudgetingBusiness PlanBusiness Plans/Startup AssistanceBusiness StructureCash FlowCommunications TechContractsCustomer ServiceCybersecurityDigital MarketingDisaster Prep & RecoveryEcommerceFinancial LiteracyFranchisingFunding/LoansGovernment ContractingGovernment RegulationsHardware & EquipmentHuman ResourcesImport & ExportIntellectual PropertyLegalManagement & OperationsMarketingMarketing StrategyOperationsPR/MediaPricingProduct DevelopmentSalesSocial MediaSoftware & ApplicationsStrategy & PlanningStrategy DevelopmentSupply Chain ManagementTax PlanningTechnologyWebsitesWork/Life Balance

In what industry or industries do you do business?

Select at least one industry. We’ll try, but results may not always be an exact match.

Accommodation & Food ServicesAccounting & Tax ServicesAdministrative & SupportAdvertising, Design, & MarketingAgricultureAgriculture, Farming, Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry, Fishing & HuntingAnimal & Veterinary ServicesArchitecture, Engineering, & Related ServicesArts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment, & RecreationAuto Repair & MechanicBanking, Finance & InsuranceBeauty, Cosmetics & Salon ServicesBusiness Consulting & CoachingChildcareCommercial & Residential ServicesConstructionCounseling & TherapyDistribution & Transportation of GoodsEducationEducational ServicesFarming & LivestockFinance & InsuranceFine Arts, Artisan, & Craft WorkFishing & HuntingFood & BeverageForestryFuneral & Death Care ServicesHealth Care & Social AssistanceHome or Personal Maintenance ServicesInformationInformation TechnologyManagement of Companies & EnterprisesManufacturingManufacturing & IndustrialMedia & PublishingMining, Quarry, & UtilitiesNonprofitNonprofit, Public and Professional OrganizationsOther Services (except Public Administration)Personal Care ServicesPhotography & Video ServicesProfessional & Business ServicesProfessional and Business ServicesProfessional ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, TechnicalPublic AdministrationPublic Relations & CommunicationsReal EstateReal Estate & Rental LeasingReal Estate, Rental & LeasingRecruiting & StaffingRental & LeasingRestaurant & BarRetailRetail & Wholesale TradeRetail TradeSocial Assistance & Family ServicesTechnical & Scientific ServicesTransportationTransportation & WarehousingTravel, Hospitality, & TourismUtilitiesWarehousingWaste Management & DisposalWaste Management & Remediation ServicesWebsite DevelopmentWellness, Healthcare, & Home HealthWholesaleWholesale Trade

Looking for someone specific?

Search our mentor database to find the expertise you need.

5 Steps for Mentoring

### Identify

Identify your small business needs and desired support.

### Request

Request a SCORE Mentor as your advisor to small business success.

### Schedule

Schedule a mentoring session with your assigned SCORE mentor

### Set Goals

Set goals for your small business with guidance from your SCORE mentor.

### Advance

Work with your SCORE mentor through the life of your business.

### Pretty Pokets

"With SCORE, I got so many opportunities. Everything from starting, how to build, to actually selling
online. I took every possible advice whether it's legal, educational, informational, mentoring,
everything. I've relied on SCORE. SCORE has been my secret weapon, I must say."

### The Chaga Company

"Pete Slosberg is GOLD. From securing my position in the market, redefining our sales sheet, providing guidance on the core values and driving force of the company, recommending new marketing strategies, and suggesting unique customer acquisition approaches."

### Silver Slice Bakery

"I encourage business start-ups and seasoned business owners to utilize SCORE services to grow their
business. It WORKS especially if you do the work.  The training is impeccable and the mentors are the best
part of working with SCORE. The mentors are not only knowledgeable about business and share their personal
business experiences, but they also help you find out what your transitional skills are from leaving a job
to starting a business, plus they are very kind and listen to you."

### Preparture

"There are challenges when it comes to being black in America. I see that as an opportunity to show why a
partnership or a collaboration is actually needed. I needed someone from SCORE to provide me with
strategic road-map focus, as Preparture at the time seemed broad. Meeting with Steven Lome helped me set
goals and milestones."

### Uni Uni Bubble Tea

"When you go to the SCORE website you can actually choose different mentors from the list. You can see
their credentials, their experiences. You can be matched with the one that can help you most. SCORE is the
start point for your business."

### OD Greens

"I have recommended SCORE to every veteran or entrepreneur I have come across. My team was patient,
flexible, and insightful, and they brought a variety of different perspectives to our meetings. I can
honestly say that I would not have been able to do it without them. Their encouragement and practical
knowledge helped me to transform my idea into a reality."

SCORE Mentorship

## Ask a Mentor Series

Are you curious about how SCORE mentors can help your business grow? Wondering about the qualifications of SCORE mentors or the process of engaging with them? Check out our Video Playlist! The playlist will help provide clarity and our FAQ section provides clear answers to these and other common questions, guiding you through the valuable services SCORE offers to small business owners.

Small Business Success Starts with SCORE Mentorship

## Ask a Mentor Series

Are you curious about how SCORE mentors can help your business grow? Wondering about the qualifications of SCORE mentors or the process of engaging with them? Our FAQ section provides clear answers to these and other common questions, guiding you through the valuable services SCORE offers to small business owners.

Let us do the matching for you.

Ready to elevate your business journey? Connect with seasoned experts in your local area! Simply enter your zip code below, and we'll match you with a dedicated SCORE mentor who can guide you towards success. Unlock personalized advice, gain industry insights, and take your business to new heights today.

Zipcode

Frequently asked questions about SCORE Mentoring:

#### What is SCORE mentoring?

SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to U.S. based business (or business
idea).

Partnering with you one-on-one or in small group sessions, SCORE mentors support your
success by providing experienced advice, consulting on best practices, and educating you on small business
topics.

#### How does SCORE mentoring work?

Once you’ve submitted your mentoring request and you’ve scheduled your appointment
with your mentor, you will meet to discuss your business goals and challenges. Your mentor will ask you
questions about what’s working in your business (and what’s not) and will seek to understand what you’re
hoping to achieve in working with them. They will provide answers to your business questions, connect you
to local and national resources, and will recommend workshops and events to help you fill any knowledge
gaps that might exist.

If at any point, you need a different expert – because you need different
expertise or if you don’t feel your mentor is the best fit – you can request additional support from other
SCORE mentors in our network.

We can work with you using different communication methods, including
phone, video, email and in-person meetings. We can provide support for a simple business question or work
with you through complex business challenges. You can with your mentor(s) as often as you need, for the
life of your business. We provide support for all stages of the business lifecycle. This means that we’re
here to help you if you’re thinking about starting a business, managing a business, growing your business,
selling or exiting your business.

To get started, simply use our mentor search or enter your zip
code in the field above to complete a mentoring request. This will be sent to the appropriate mentor or
chapter who will respond within 48 hours.

#### How will you match me with my mentor?

When you enter your zip code in the field above, you’ll be taken to our mentoring
request form. We’ll use the information that you provide in that form to find your ideal expert. More
specifically, we’ll work to understand your business question(s) and compare that to the mentor profiles
in our database to find an expert that matches your needs.

If you have a more general question,
we’ll pair you with a local expert who can work with you to identify your area of greatest need and will
coach you on that topic. If necessary, your mentor will invite other SCORE subject matter experts to help
if you have questions on several different topics.

#### How long will it take to get matched?

The time to get matched varies based on your business question, but typically you
should hear from a mentor within 48 hours. Once you hear from your mentor, you can work with them to
schedule your first mentoring appointment at a time that is convenient for both of your schedules.

#### Will my mentor reach out to me first?

Yes! Your mentor will attempt to contact you 3 times upon receiving your mentoring
request. They will email you and text you (if you select text notifications), so make sure you check your
junk folders and whitelist emails sent from @scorevolunteer.org and @score.org.

#### Is SCORE mentoring confidential? Can my mentor sign a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA)?

Client confidentiality is an institutional principle at SCORE. This means that a
SCORE client’s
confidentiality does not reside with a single volunteer or chapter but is maintained as confidential
within SCORE.

SCORE volunteers cannot sign any client’s confidentiality agreements or any Non-Disclosure Agreements
(NDA), but the client’s
confidentiality is covered in the volunteer’s agreement with SCORE.

This agreement to maintain client confidentiality - as well as other values that are integral to the
client relationship - is
confirmed in writing in the SCORE Code of Ethics. Among other things, our Code of Ethics directs our
volunteers as follows:

- Always place the business interests of SCORE clients first.
- Protect the confidentiality of all client information so that it remains within SCORE.

All SCORE mentors are required to sign this agreement annually.

#### What industries do you support?

SCORE mentors can help businesses in all industries. We have experts in a variety of
fields, including professional services, retail, arts, entertainment, recreation, food services,
accommodations, travel, marketing & advertising, health care, social assistance, real estate and
more.

Regardless of your industry, our mentors are knowledgeable in all areas of business and can
answer your questions about popular topics such as sales, marketing, finance, accounting, management, and
technology.

#### Are the mentors really business experts?

A SCORE mentoring relationship lasts as long as you need it! That can
mean a few meaningful sessions to achieve a specific goal or overcome a challenge. Or, it
can be a SCORE mentoring relationship that lasts for years, when you always have a trusted
advisor for the life of your small business.

#### What is a typical mentoring session like?

A mentoring session is a confidential, personalized conversation with a business
expert to answer a question or to solve a problem that you’re facing.

SCORE mentoring sessions are
collaborative meetings between the small business owner and the SCORE mentor. They are typically scheduled
for an hour and can be held virtually, through online meetings, phone calls, email, or even in person if
you would like to be paired with a local mentor. You can share your business goals, progress, challenges,
and questions during these sessions. SCORE mentors will offer advice, resources, and insights so you gain
clarity on your next best steps.

When you first meet with your mentor, they will ask you questions
about your business and your goals. This will help them understand how to best support you and answer your
business questions. They will leverage their personal experience and knowledge to help you avoid common
challenges and mistakes. If they do not have the expertise you need, they may invite another mentor to
participate in the meeting.

Once you discuss your initial business question, they may ask you to
complete business templates or to review resources on SCORE.org. Additionally, they may recommend SCORE or
partner workshops or resources to meet your needs. They will also schedule a follow-up session to ensure
you’re on the right track and to keep supporting your business.

#### How can I make the most of my mentoring experience?

To make the most of your mentoring experience, we recommend being prepared with a
business question or challenge that you can work on with your mentor. If you’re starting a business, we
recommend being prepared with a business idea before you request a mentor. If you’re not sure what type of
business you want to start, consider using our Startup Roadmap to help you define your business idea. If
you already own a business, come to your meeting prepared with the issue you need to resolve or the goal
that you’d like to achieve.

Other tips to make the most of your mentoring include:

- Checking your inbox for emails from SCORE.
- Be ready to actively participate in your session. This means bringing specific questions that we can
  answer, engaging in discussions about your business, and challenging the mentor's ideas & suggestions
  if you don't fully understand them.
- If your business is already in operation, please be willing to share your history, recent
  financials, cash flow, and business plan. This will give your mentor a much-needed understanding of
  your current operations so they can suggest ideas about how/where to improve.
- Be open and honest in the discussion.
- Be willing to meet with your mentor over a period of time. Many of the questions that we receive
  will take more than one meeting to answer. Remember, mentoring is always free and you can meet with
  your mentor as often as needed (based on schedule and availability).
- Keep in mind that SCORE mentors will not do the work for you. We are here as guides and advisors but
  we’ll ask you to do the work. This is to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to manage
  your business.
- When you’ve achieved success with your mentor, submit a success story for our website. This will
  allow us to celebrate your accomplishments and spread the word about your business. Your story could
  be featured in SCORE’s national media releases and marketing efforts, which will build awareness for
  your business.
- Consider attending a SCORE workshop to complement your mentoring. We offer educational webinars,
  workshops and events online and in your local community. This will help you strengthen your knowledge
  and expand your business network.

CONNECT

712 H St NE PMB 98848

}

Washington, DC 20002

1-800-634-0245

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Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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