Volunteer With SCORE's Portland Maine Chapter
This may be your opportunity to:
- Share ideas and expertise with a congenial group of highly skilled business professionals
- Keep your skills and knowledge current with the fast-changing business environment
- Give back something to the Maine business community
Our immediate needs
- Overseeing and/or presenting workshops on business subjects
- Working on the committee to promote this chapter
- Taking on administrative duties
We need to improve the diversity within our membership. Specifically, we need more women volunteers, persons of color.
Questions Regarding Membership
Question: What Is SCORE Portland Maine?
Answer: One of 389 chapters and 10,500 volunteers nationally. Our headquarters are in Portland Maine and we have counseling locations throughout Southern Maine. We have approximately 40 active members, male and female. This chapter was founded in 1964.
Question: Do I Have To Be Retired To Join SCORE?
Answer: No. Both retired and working professionals are welcome in SCORE.
Question: What Is The First Step I Should Take To Join SCORE?
Answer: Please submit a resume or similar information by email or addressed to "Chapter Chair" at the address below.
Question: Why Does SCORE Interview Candidates Before Accepting Members?
Answer: Transferring business skills into counseling and mentoring situations requires different and additional skills than a business owner or manager may have used. The interviewing process permits both SCORE and the applicant to see if there is a good fit.
Question: Why Do New SCORE Members Participate In A Training Program?
Answer: The orientation and training program permits the new member to understand SCORE's mission, services, code of ethics and opportunities within the organization. The Counselor Professional Development Program provides guidance on how to be a good business counselor, find the resources our clients need and how to develop good listening, interviewing and problem-solving habits
Question: What Other Opportunities Exist For SCORE Members?
Answer:
- Cyber-counseling (i.e., e-mail counseling)
- Project leaders for on-going programs
- Guest speaker at local organizations
- Participate in special events
- Workshop presenters
- Marketing SCORE to the Maine small business community
- Membership development programs
For more information about volunteering with SCORE, please call, write or email our Chapter Chair:
Chapter Chair
SCORE Portland, Chapter #0053
100 Middle Street
East Tower, 2nd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
207-772-1147
Counseling is a rewarding experience. Volunteering at SCORE is one way to put your education and experience to work helping small businesses in Maine.
Business Concepts (QS):
This workshop is your start in developing a feasibility plan for your business. You will examine how your business idea meets a need or solves a problem. You will clearly identify the features or benefits of your product or service. You will examine whether your personal skills and background are a good fit with your business idea. You will learn how to find critical information about your industry, customers and competition. You will be assigned a SCORE mentor to help and coach you through the process.
Thursday Sep 09, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
Marketing(QS):
In this workshop you will start to develop a marketing plan. You will
identify your target markets, discuss pricing strategies, focus on
creating a consistent marketing message, and discuss different
marketing communication methods. In addition, you will work on
identifying and developing an appropriate business plan.
Thursday Sep 16, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
Financial Projections (QS):
This workshop is designed to teach you to develop financial projections to see if your business concept is feasible in dollars. You will learn the importance of having a financial plan.You will look at start-up costs, operating expenses, breakeven analysis, the financial risks and rewards, and what funds will be needed to finance your business. You will see how financial statements are used to help manage your business. Don’t panic! An experienced SCORE mentor will be there to guide you through the numbers.
Thursday Sep 23, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
Funding Sources and Next Steps (QS):
This final workshop exposes you to traditional and non-traditional funding sources to finance your business. You will learn what information a bank needs to consider your loan request. You will learn what key elements go into the bank’s loan decision. You will learn to recognize your financial strengths and weaknesses. You will review your progress through the various workshop sessions and discuss what next steps may be needed to make your decision: “go” or “no-go” with your business concept. Your SCORE mentor will continue to work with you to complete any remaining items.
Thursday Sept. 30
6-8 PM
Thursday Sep 30, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
