SCORE Mentors

"Something I don't talk about enough: the behind-the-scenes support that gets a small business idea from idea to creation & actually running.

I've been building small (but mighty!!) Nurtured Feast LLC mostly in the quiet spaces — between cook days, during client prep, in the margins of a very full life. And one of the resources I keep coming back to is SCORE.

Free mentorship from people who have genuinely done the thing. Tax workshops that finally made the [my state's] B&O tax make sense to me. Real humans who answer questions without making you feel like you should already know the answer.

If you're a small business owner and you haven't checked them out, I'd genuinely recommend it. The mentors have been a quiet but real part of my foundation.

Without them, I wouldn't be able to share as many of my bowls of laksa soup!" - SCORE client Kristin S.

Learning never stops when you’re building your dream! 🌟

Join SCORE mentors and small business experts for low-cost webinars and local events designed to help entrepreneurs like you succeed.

“I love teaching her that anything’s possible as long as you want to do it, and as long as you put your mind to it.”

When Vee Washington started experimenting with lemonade recipes, he wasn't just trying to create a better beverage. As a first-generation immigrant, he was chasing a bigger dream: building something he could share with his family.

Today, Vanlice Lemonade can be found in nine Hy-Vee stores, restaurants, liquor stores, and independent retailers across Minnesota. But some of Vee's proudest moments don't happen on store shelves.

They happen at farmers markets alongside his daughter, Hazel.

From washing lemons and stocking shelves to running her own stand, Hazel has been part of the business from day one. "It's been fun seeing her develop into this mini CEO," Vee shares. In fact, her stand sometimes outsells his.

As the business grew, so did the challenges. Looking for guidance on scaling operations and planning for growth, Vee turned to SCORE.

"SCORE has been highly beneficial. It's an incredible organization," he says. With support from his mentor, Greg, Vee developed strategies to improve production, prepare for expansion, and push beyond his comfort zone.

Today, Vanlice Lemonade is growing one customer, one store, and one lesson at a time.

Because for Vee, success isn't just about selling lemonade. It's about showing the next generation what's possible.

SCORE mentor Ebony Grey knows that when experience meets purpose, real impact follows.

By volunteering with SCORE, mentors help expand access, education, and opportunity for entrepreneurs building businesses and legacies of their own.

If you’re ready to give back in a way that truly matters, there’s a seat for you at the table. 💙

💡 Ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers live webinars and local workshops to help you start, grow, and thrive.

📚 Low-cost business learning opportunities await!

Join a SCORE Susquehanna Valley webinar or workshop this week and 🚀

“Financial decisions should be inclusive and collaborative.”

When Pamela Chen launched Refresh Investments, she brought deep expertise to the table as both a CPA and CFA. But like many entrepreneurs, she quickly discovered that building a business requires more than mastering your craft.

As she worked to grow her financial planning and investment firm, Pam turned to SCORE mentor Bill Ehrlich for guidance on scaling sustainably. Together, they developed a plan focused on team building, marketing, and operational efficiency.

The results were transformative. Pam launched a new website, created an Advisory Board, hosted educational webinars, and streamlined her operations, allowing her to focus on serving clients while growing the business.

What truly sets Refresh Investments apart is its approach. In an industry that can often feel intimidating, Pam has built a firm where clients are encouraged to ask questions, understand their options, and actively participate in the decision-making process.

By combining expert guidance with a collaborative philosophy, Refresh Investments is helping make financial planning more accessible for women and their families.