AUBURN, Ala.- The City of Auburn and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce have worked closely to bring the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors to East Alabama. The organization, SCORE, is a nonprofit that provides free, confidential advice to small businesses. They host local and national mentorship networks; offer small businesses educational resources, webinars and workshops; and provide an outreach opportunity for experienced professionals to volunteer.

“We are pleased to welcome SCORE to Auburn,” said Mayor Ron Anders. “By partnering with the Auburn Chamber and SCORE, we develop another way to support small businesses in Auburn. Moreover, we are privileged to host a program that will positively affect businesses throughout the entire East Alabama region. When small businesses succeed, we all benefit.”

SCORE serves those who are thinking of starting a business, growing their business or have questions about managing their business. Interested business owners can meet with one or several mentors via email, video chat or face-to-face.

“We are proud to offer our Auburn business community another resource to aid in their success. Having a SCORE branch is an opportunity to strengthen our business environment and aligns with our values of collaboration and community engagement,” said Lolly Steiner, president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

Through SCORE, small business owners have nonstop access to mentors and resources to help them make business decisions, whether it is for a single question or establishing an ongoing relationship.

“Local mentors are vital to the program. We know Auburn is brimming with a talented pool of potential volunteers including successful accountants, attorneys, professors, business executives and retirees,” said Marv Lieberman, chairman of SCORE Columbus Chapter, which is the parent of the Auburn branch. “We would love for those individuals to get involved.”

Creating an impactful mentoring network is one of the objectives of the City of Auburn’s Economic Development initiative for Entrepreneurial & Technology Programs. This initiative is designed to assist startups and small businesses by creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages growth.

Geoff Slater, Auburn business owner and SCORE mentor, will serve as branch leader of SCORE Auburn.

“The City of Auburn and Auburn Chamber have been instrumental in establishing this new SCORE branch. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to the growth of the program in East Alabama,” said Lieberman.

SCORE has existed for over 50 years, helping more than 11 million entrepreneurs. For more information about SCORE, visit score.org/2020-media-faqs or find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @SCOREMentors. Questions regarding SCORE Columbus may be directed to Marv Lieberman at 706-464-8548.

For more information about engaging with a local mentorship network, visit auburnalabama.org/startups or call 334-501-7377.