Consulting Report Service Corps of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E) S.C.O.R.E - "Counselors to America's Small Business"- is a non-profit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The Richardson Chamber of Commerce has a S.C.O.R.E counselor for entrepreneurs or small business owners. Meetings are by appointment only, on Tuesday mornings at the Chamber office. To schedule an appointment, please call the Richardson Chamber of Commerce at 972-792-2800. Dallas S.C.O.R.E: Provides free business assistance to residents of Dallas and other North Texas cities. Phone: 214-987-9491 Fax: 214-987-9279 Website: https://dallas.score.org/ North Texas Small Business Development Center Network The NTSBDC promotes small business success by providing management education. It assists small businesses in creating jobs and economic growth by utilizing the elements of quality counseling and training, community involvement and the leveraging of resources. Local SBDC field centers are listed below: Dallas Metropolitan Small Business Development Center Hosted by the Dallas County Community College District Phone: 214-860-5859 Website: www.dallasmetropolitansbdc.com Collin County Small Business Development Center Hosted by Collin County Community College District Director: Marta Gomez Frey Phone: 972-985-3770 Website: www.collinsbdc.com Small Business Administration (SBA) – Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is currently the largest management assistance program serving the business sector in the United States. One primary function of the SBA is assisting new small businesses with a variety of resources that include training and consulting services provided through SBDCs. An SBDC: conducts research counsels trains business people in managing, financing and operating small businesses provides comprehensive information services and access to experts in a variety of fields. SBA 8(a) Business Development Program The mission of the 8(a) Business Development (BD) Program is to provide participating businesses with managerial, technical, and procurement assistance to assist them in achieving their full competitive potential. The 8(a) BD Program provides a logical, systematic approach to federal market access and enterprise growth to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program assists firms by facilitating the award of sole-source and limited-competition contracts and by providing business development assistance. SBA 7(j) Training Program The SBA 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program is a program in which the SBA provides qualifying businesses with counseling and training in the areas of financing, business development, management, accounting, bookkeeping, marketing, and other small business operating concerns. The SBA 7(j) training and technical assistance is available to eligible firms and individuals participating in SBA's Business Development program, other small disadvantaged businesses, low income individuals, and firms in either labor surplus areas or areas with a high proportion of low-income individuals.