As National Volunteer Month kicks off this April, SCORE Southern Maryland is highlighting the significant contributions of its volunteers, who have dedicated their time and expertise to support the region’s small business community. In fiscal year 2024, these volunteers provided 1,584 mentoring sessions to 703 entrepreneurs, fostering business growth, job creation, and economic strength across Southern Maryland.
The efforts of SCORE Southern Maryland, a chapter of the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, have proven instrumental in helping local entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and expanding their ventures. “SCORE is the most effective source of small business mentoring in the U.S.,” said Tim Hanlon, chapter chair of SCORE Southern Maryland. “We are proud to be making a positive difference right here in our local community.” Data from SCORE underscores the impact of this support, showing that entrepreneurs who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased business growth.
Nationwide, SCORE’s network of over 10,000 volunteers drives its mission to empower small business owners. “We are grateful to the more than 10,000 SCORE volunteers nationwide who selflessly dedicate their time and business expertise to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. In Southern Maryland, this dedication translated into tangible results in 2024, with mentors offering free, confidential guidance on topics ranging from business planning to marketing strategies.
Beyond one-on-one mentoring, SCORE Southern Maryland provides a variety of resources, including workshops, webinars, and online tools, to assist entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. These services, supported in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, are available at no or low cost, ensuring accessibility for all. The chapter serves a broad region, including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and several Eastern Shore counties, according to its LinkedIn profile.
National Volunteer Month, observed each April, celebrates the power of volunteerism and encourages community involvement. For SCORE, it’s a time to recognize the mentors who fuel its success and to invite others to join the effort. Individuals interested in volunteering or seeking mentorship can visit www.score.org, where they can connect with local opportunities or request a mentor tailored to their needs.
The impact of SCORE’s work extends beyond individual businesses. By helping entrepreneurs succeed, volunteers contribute to job creation and economic vitality in Southern Maryland. In 2024 alone, the chapter’s 703 clients benefited from personalized advice, with many likely seeing improved financial outcomes based on SCORE’s national data trends. This aligns with the organization’s broader legacy—since 1964, SCORE has assisted over 11 million entrepreneurs nationwide, according to its official website.
For small business owners in Southern Maryland, SCORE remains a vital lifeline, offering expert guidance in an ever-changing economic landscape. As National Volunteer Month unfolds, the chapter’s work stands as a testament to the difference volunteers can make—one mentoring session at a time.
