1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

In FY2024, SCORE served over 280,000 unique clients. Our data shows that small business clients who receive three or more hours of mentoring from SCORE volunteers report significantly higher revenue growth and increased chances of business survival. With mentorship at the core of what we do, we provide guidance in areas ranging from business planning and financial literacy to marketing, hiring, and technology adoption. It is essential to emphasize: SCORE is not just a cost-effective use of federal funds—it is an economic catalyst. The return on investment is indisputable. For every federal dollar appropriated, SCORE returns a measurable impact in the form of job creation, small business starts, and local economic stimulation. Additionally, because the majority of our services are delivered by volunteers—many of whom are former executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts—taxpayer dollars are amplified by billions in donated time and talent. Reducing SCORE’s budget would not only undermine the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Americans but would also impede our national economic momentum at a time when small businesses are still recovering from years of pandemic-related disruption and navigating inflationary pressures. Now is not the time to withdraw support from one of the most cost-effective, community-driven economic development programs in the country. I respectfully urge you to maintain—and consider expanding—SCORE’s federal funding in the upcoming budget cycle. Together, we can ensure that entrepreneurs in every corner of America continue to have access to the guidance, tools, and support they need to succeed. Thank you for your continued service and consideration.