Become a Counselor

Join the Southeastern CT SCORE® Chapter 
Are you ready to retire from your day job, but still want to contribute to the new business economy? Are you a working business professional who wants to volunteer your expertise to help small businesses succeed? SCORE® may be just the opportunity you are looking for to share your business knowledge and experience. If you have business experience and a desire to help others, we invite you to contact us.

Benefits to becoming a SCORE® Volunteer  

SCORE® members say that staying abreast of current business trends and helping small businesses succeed and grow is the only reward they need for volunteering.
You will also: 
• Demonstrate the skills and knowledge that led to your successful career.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to the success of others.
• Provide leadership to your community.
• Enjoy opportunities for ongoing education.

Frequently Asked Questions
Who are SCORE® members?
SCORE® members are successful, business professionals just like you. The men and women of SCORE® have owned, operated, and/or managed businesses. The skills of SCORE® counselors represent different talents, generations, ethnic groups, and strengths. This variety of people and skills adds value to the quality of SCORE® business advice.
Do I have to be retired to join SCORE®?
No. A number of SCORE® members own businesses, manage corporations or own consulting firms. These working professionals contribute to SCORE® as counselors and workshop presenters, just as our retired professionals volunteer. Both retired and working professionals are welcome in SCORE®.
Why does SCORE® interview candidates before accepting members?
There are many business people with exceptional business management skills. However, transferring business skills into a counseling and mentoring situation requires additional and different skills from what a business owner or manager may have used in his or her career. The interview process allows both the SCORE® chapter and the potential SCORE® member to see if this volunteer opportunity is a good fit for the organization and potential counselor.
Why do new SCORE® members participate in a training program?
All new SCORE® members participate in an orientation and training program so they understand SCORE® mission, services, and the opportunities for volunteer participation. The Counselor Professional Development Program also provides guidance on how to be a business counselor and apply new listening, interviewing and problem-solving skills—specifically to business counseling and mentoring.

To learn more about SCORE® and our programs please contact us.