Daily News

SCORE Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Small Businesses Succeed

SPRINGFIELD — SCORE, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting emerging and existing small businesses to succeed by providing free counseling, low-cost workshops, and other resources, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014.

SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Currently there are approximately 13,000 volunteers providing these services. The Western Mass. chapter, based in Springfield, with branches throughout the region, has been serving local communities since 1970 and has helped thousands of small businesses from their initial development stages through continued assistance during their business life cycle. More than 25 certified SCORE mentors provide this local benefit to an area from the Pioneer Valley through the Berkshires.

To commemorate this 50-year anniversary, the local chapter is hosting a free networking event for both existing clients and anyone who might be in need of business counseling. The event will be held on Aug. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shaker Farms Country Club in Westfield. This is a free event, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be provided, along with a cash bar. Pre-registration is required due to space limitations. To register, visit www.westernmassachusetts.score.org.