Have you ever wondered what on Earth is SCORE?

Even though the Lewiston-Auburn area has been home to a chapter of SCORE for 30-plus years, there are still those in the business community who don’t know what exactly SCORE is and what it can provide.

Central Maine SCORE is a part of the SCORE Association, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. We are a nationwide, nonprofit organization dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

SCORE, which has the motto “counselors to America’s small business,” is a source of free and confidential small-business advice to help build a business — from idea, to start-up, to success. SCORE’s 10,500 volunteers are working or retired business owners, executives and professionals who share their wisdom and lessons learned in business with aspiring entrepreneurs.

Business mentoring can help start, grow and manage a business. Small business owners by necessity wear many different hats. On any given day, they manage product development, marketing, sales, operations, personnel and finances. SCORE’s experienced business counselors can help in areas where the new business owner’s expertise may fall short.

Local SCORE chapters in Maine also offer low-cost business workshops and seminars for both start-up and in-business entrepreneurs. Training covers a variety of topics, from writing a business plan to importing/exporting and using e-commerce.

SCORE can also be found on the Internet at www.score.org. Services online include “how-to” articles, business templates and email advice, as well as mentoring and counseling.

For more information, contact Central Maine SCORE at 782-3708 or at lewistonauburnscore@gmail.com, or contact the Auburn Public Library for an appointment with a volunteer mentor. In Oxford Hills, call 743-0499; in Rumford-Mexico, call 364-3123. Or contact SCORE at www.SCOREmaine.org.

This column is provided by the Central Maine SCORE chapter.