Discover what SCORE has to offer and sign up for free in-person counseling

Business consultants often charge between $100 and as much as $500 per hour. But expert SCORE counseling from individuals who've "been there, done that," is free and confidential. Volunteers – many former Fortune 500 executives or successful entrepreneurs – join your team as mentors.

I recommend: Get a quick overview of all SCORE has to offer at the main Web site. Find a local chapter to sign up for mentoring. Just enter your Zip Code or city and state. You can also call SCORE for a location at (800) 634-0245.

Visit a local SCORE chapter website

Most local SCORE chapters also have their own websites where you can obtain detailed information about what's offered in your area, schedule an appointment and get directions to the office.

I recommend: Find your city, or something nearby, from the SCORE list of local chapter websites. For driving directions, get a map to your local chapter.

Get expert answers quickly and easily by email

The "Ask SCORE" service lets you submit your most pressing business questions via email 24/7 and receive an answer within 48 hours via email.

I recommend: Submit your question easily online. Search from among over 1,400 "virtual counselors" by expertise or by state. The SCORE site gives you a brief profile of each individual and their special business expertise.

Discover 60-second answers on key business questions

SCORE's 60-Second Guides on a variety of topics are worthwhile reading and can get you answers quickly.

I recommend: SCORE 60-Second Guides (also available in Spanish) cover business planning, finance, human resources, office management, marketing, customer service & sales, and technology.

View success stories of small businesses that have worked with SCORE

This is a very cool section of the SCORE site filled with fun-to-read profiles of small biz owners who've grown their businesses with help from SCORE.

I recommend: Find out how other business owners are succeeding with free and confidential business counseling from SCORE. Look for new stories monthly. The success story archive includes profiles of businesses in dozens of different industries.

Sign up for local business workshops and free e-newsletters

Some workshops require a small fee. They are geared for both startups and entrepreneurs already in business. Free business planning and business structure workbooks are also available at local chapters.

I recommend: Get full details on workshops and materials at your nearest chapter. Sign up for SCORE eNews and Expert Answers eNewsletter.