Member News

Growing numbers of Lebanon County businesses are benefiting from free mentoring provided by SCORE volunteers. The Lancaster Lebanon chapter of SCORE reports that more volunteers are needed to meet the requests from an increasing number of Lebanon County entrepreneurs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration created SCORE as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the formation and growth of small businesses.
In 2014 Lancaster SCORE became Lancaster Lebanon SCORE to reflect the addition of the county into the service area and the need for expanded SCORE mentoring in Lebanon County. Volunteers from Lancaster County help Lebanon members with requests for mentoring in Lebanon County.
Charles J Blankenship, a recent new recruit to SCORE, said, “I am impressed with the quality and dedication of SCORE volunteers and the scope of their mentoring services.”
Volunteers are typically retired or near retirement, have business ownership or executive experience and are interested in being active in the community by sharing their knowledge and expertise with younger entrepreneurs.
“Being a SCORE volunteer is a personally rewarding experience for someone willing to give a few hours of their time each month to mentor emerging and existing business” Blankenship said.
The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce provides meeting space for SCORE mentoring. Chamber president Karen Groh said, “I am pleased with the growing synergism this partnership brings to both organizations.”
Thirty four Lebanon business owners or potential owners received free and confidential assistance last year. The mentoring provided guidance on business planning, financing, marketing, operations, cash flow analysis and many other issues. Counseling can be by personal meetings or online coaching.  The SCORE volunteers also respond to calls from nonprofit groups and governments.
Lebanon County commissioners requested assistance with IT strategy, Palmyra Public Library on strategy and fund raising, and Lebanon City with community development.
Workshops, roundtable and seminars are also offered to educate and prepare participants to be successful in business. Topics include: email marketing, succession planning, cyber security, business formation, legal structures, marketing, finance and other topics.
Information on requesting SCORE mentoring can be found at www.lancaster.score.org. Anyone interested in volunteering as a mentor in Lebanon County can contact mentor recruiter Hugh MacMaster.