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SCORE Greater Seattle: A Beacon for Small Business Success

SCORE Greater Seattle has earned the prestigious title of National Chapter of the Year for 2025, highlighting its remarkable commitment to aiding small businesses in the region. As a key partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE excels in providing free expert mentoring and educational resources, making substantial contributions to the local economy.

Outstanding Contributions in 2024

In an impressive display of community engagement and support, the chapter positively impacted over 12,434 small businesses throughout 2024, reflecting an 82% increase from the previous year. This surge in engagement can be attributed to the concerted efforts of 160 volunteers who dedicated their time and skills to foster entrepreneurship in the Greater Seattle area.

Bridget Weston, the CEO of SCORE, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, "SCORE Greater Seattle truly demonstrates SCORE's mission – to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education." The chapter’s volunteers not only provided essential support but also empowered local entrepreneurs to chase their dreams and contribute to the local economy's growth.

Key Achievements in the Past Year

The achievements of SCORE Greater Seattle in 2024 are numerous and noteworthy:

• - Increased Mentorship: The organization conducted 6,580 mentoring sessions, an 18% rise from the previous year.
• - Webinar Growth: Local webinar attendance spiked by an astonishing 372%, indicating a growing interest in educational resources.
• - Volunteer Expansion: The chapter expanded its volunteer base by 13%, allowing for an even greater reach to support small business owners across the community.

In addition to these significant milestones, SCORE Greater Seattle hosted a Small Business Pitch Contest, where local entrepreneurs showcased their business ideas and competed for $35,000 in prize money. This not only facilitated skill development but also offered participants exposure and valuable feedback on their business pitches.

A Community Effort

Suvendoo Ray, the chapter chair, expressed gratitude towards both volunteers and clients for their important roles in the chapter's successes. "In addition to our local impact, the results of our efforts extend beyond Seattle, as we collaborated across the state and region to enhance our workshops and outreach," Ray noted. This commitment to community underscores SCORE Greater Seattle's vision of contributing to the broader small business landscape in the U.S.

Regional Recognition

Alongside the national award, SCORE recognized several regional winners for their outstanding contributions to small business support, including:

• - SCORE Las Vegas (West Region)
• - SCORE Fox Valley (Central Region)
• - SCORE Boston (Northeast Region)
• - SCORE Charlotte (Southeast Region)
• - SCORE Austin (Southwest Region)
• - SCORE Washington, DC (Mid-Atlantic Region)

Learn More About SCORE

Since its founding in 1964, SCORE has guided millions of entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. With over 10,000 volunteers providing free mentoring and resources across all 50 states, SCORE remains a crucial ally for aspiring business owners. For more information on how to seek mentorship or volunteer, visit SCORE.org.

SCORE Greater Seattle continues to exemplify dedication to small businesses, showcasing what can be achieved through community support and collective expertise.