We’re Here for You and Your Business.
Savannah SCORE Offering Our Free Business Mentoring Services by Video and Phone During Coronavirus Emergency
Connect with Savannah SCORE
Savannah SCORE Offering Its Free Business Mentoring Services Via Video and Phone During COVID-19 Crisis
These are stressful and uncertain times for small businesses everywhere. But staying safe does not mean you can't take advantage of Savannah SCORE’s free business mentoring services to help you deal with today's challenges. Although we are not meeting with clients in person right now, you can still meet with an expert SCORE business mentor/coach "face-to-face" via Zoom or, if you prefer, by phone. While you stay safe, you can still stay connected, and get the help and guidance you need from an experienced SCORE Mentor. To schedule an appointment with a Savannah SCORE Mentor, visit https://savannah.score.
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.
- Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
- Once a declaration is made, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to affected small businesses within the state.
- SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
- These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
- SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
- SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.
- For additional information, please visit SBA.gov/disaster.
- For questions, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Savannah SCORE Named SCORE’s National Mid-Market “Chapter of the Year”
Local SCORE Chapter named “2019 Mid-Market Chapter of the Year” in recognition of its achievements and contributions to Savannah’s entrepreneurial and small business community
SCORE, the nation’s largest provider of free business mentoring services and educational programs to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, announced today that the Savannah Chapter has been named 2019 Mid-Market “Chapter of the Year”.
Over the last three years, Savannah SCORE and its team of experienced business mentors helped establish 508 new local businesses and 528 new non-owner jobs. SCORE’s popular “BizPitch Savannah™” entrepreneurial competition, held in early September 2018, has already resulted in the launch of three new Savannah-based businesses.
In addition to receiving the “Mid-Market Chapter of the Year” and “Outstanding Client Education Program” awards, Savannah SCORE also was the only chapter in Georgia to achieve Platinum level scores on its annual operational review. This is the first time Savannah SCORE has received these prestigious awards and recognition.
Michael Siegel, Chapter Chair of Savannah SCORE, said “We are honored and proud to receive recognition for our contributions to Savannah’s small business community. Our entire Savannah SCORE Mentoring Team looks forward to continuing our work in support of Savannah’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
Free Mentoring
SCORE's mentors, comprised of active and retired business men and women, provide clients with free and confidential business counseling. Counseling can be conducted at the client's place of business, at our chapter headquarters, by telephone or via email
Local Workshops
SCORE mentors and representatives from the local business community conduct a variety of regularly scheduled, low-cost educational workshops that provide valuable information and techniques necessary for establishing and managing a successful business.
Free Resources
With access to a wide variety of documents, templates and tools to assist you in starting or growing your business, the information provided here covers a wide range of subjects including initial business planning, capital sources, government agencies, and much more.
BARKS Dog Daycare
It took several years of research and a focused business plan to secure the funding required for the company to commence operations in late 2011. Currently, the company has a...
Our Partners
Our partners make it possible for thousands of Savannah area entrepreneurs and small business owners to benefit from our various outreach programs. Read more
STAY TUNED FOR 2020 SCORE EVENTS COMING SOON!
Check back regularly for all of our great events for local small businesses.
We have more Business Launchpad events coming up and more...
Help Make Dreams Come True - Become a SCORE Volunteer
Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE is a way for you to give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs in your community.
Become A VolunteerSavannah SCORE, the nation’s largest provider of free business mentoring services and educational programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners presents the finalists for the September 7 “BizPitch Savannah™” entrepreneurial competition, PUBLIC INVITED –FREE ADMISSION
The Program:
These innovative, aspiring local entrepreneurs have been chosen as finalists in Savannah SCORE’s “BizPitch Savannah” ™, a kinder, gentler version of TV’s “Shark Tank” entrepreneurial competition. On Friday, September 7, from 4:00-6:30 PM, at the Creative Coast, 2222 Bull St, Savannah, the finalists will pitch their business ideas to a panel of five judges. Three winners will be selected and each will receive $2500 in cash and a package of professional business services worth an estimated $7,500 to help launch their new businesses.The finalists were selected from a large group of applicants by SCORE’s Application Review Committee based on the creativity and innovativeness of the idea, the quality and thoroughness of the proposal, and the financial viability of the proposed business. The finalists and their proposed businesses are, in alphabetical order:
The Finalists:
Mark Bruemmer – “XSCapacity.net” – Bringing businesses with underutilized resources together with potential buyers or renters via the Internet
Carrie Christian and Kristie Duncan – “Scribble Subscription Box” – Creative art play for children through innovative craft-projects-in-a-box offered by monthly subscription
Jennifer Farago – “Studio 53” – Community Sewing Center offering people at all levels of sewing skill and experience access to space, equipment, supplies, training and camaraderie
Jason King – “Heel!” – Veterinary Network App designed to foster cooperation and information sharing between veterinarians and pet owners to promote quality pet care and medication compliance.
Latora Bostic – "Geechee Grub” – A restaurant celebrating the unique cuisine, culture, and heritage of the Geechee people of the Low Country.
Michelle-Anne Mallebranche – “Brez-Soleil” Beach Sunshades – Customizable, artistic, easily portable beach sunshades supported by sturdy bamboo posts.
Leandro Perversi – “Mate’ Pods” – K-Cup®-style Yerba Mate Capsules for use in standard coffee machines or specially designed infusion units
Ian Reddick – “Mercury Modular Guitars” – Beautiful professional grade electric guitars that quickly disassemble to fit in carry-on luggage and/or easily convert to different models
Our Sponsors:
AWARDING SPONSORS
BB&T
MassMutual
SPONSORS
City of Savannah Office of Business Opportunity
Savannah Economic Development Authority
Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Assistance Corporation
Wells Fargo – The Private Bank
Yates-Astro
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Ad Specialty Services
ArcMedia Group
ATDC
Bouhan Falligant
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
Enmarket
Habersham Beverage
HunterMaclean
Kenkel Design
Podcast On The Go, LLC
Publix
Red Eye Film Productions
Salesdialers.com
Sand Dollar Accounting Services
Savannah Morning News / GateHouse Media
University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
The Creative Coast
The Detail Department
For more info please contact Savannah SCORE at bizpitchsavannah@gmail.com.
The purpose of SBA’s excellent “Access To Capital Forum” is to educate current and aspiring members of Savannah’s small business community about the various types of lenders and sources of funding that are available to them.