Testimonials
This is what they say about us.
TDB Trading Enterprises, LLC.
I had been in business for almost 12 years when I saw an ad for SCORE and decided to contact them concerning a need I had for a line of credit. What I found in my counselor, Tom Kelley, was a diamond in the ruff! As a seasoned business executive, he understood my business from a standpoint that helped me to run day to day operations in a much more efficient manner. From developing spreadsheets to calculate cash flow to assisting me in obtaining the financing I needed, Tom was so much more than I anticipated. He went way above my expectations in every possible situation and was hands on the whole time. It is a great feeling to have someone by your side when you are making tough decisions. Someone who will help make sure you make the right decisions that are best for you and your company. Tom has become a trusted advisor and friend. If you are starting a new business or need help with one that has been around for years, call SCORE and you will forever be glad you did.
Physical Therapy Specialists of Tennessee
I began working with SCORE at the beginning when I only had a business concept. I was assigned to a counselor who helped guide me to several great seminars offered through SCORE.
After I set up my LLC, I continued to meet with my counselor for guidance as questions arose. Sometimes, my questions were very specific, so my counselor arranged for me to meet with other SCORE volunteers that had specialized backgrounds in those areas. I was able to get help in areas such as marketing, sales and cold calling, as well as, financial strategies.
I can’t thank my SCORE counselors enough for all of the help and guidance they’ve given me throughout the growth of my business. I feel that SCORE helped me to develop a strong foundation that has led to my success. I look forward to someday volunteering for SCORE so that I can help others succeed.
Gradspring
Gradspring would not exist today without the help of SCORE. I began writing the business plan for Gradspring while working for another company in another state. I knew that I wanted to move back home to Nashville to start the business and knew that I would need help in two areas once I got here; completing the business plan and funding to get Gradspring off the ground. At SCORE, I found both.
My SCORE counselor, Ed Rappuhn, went above and beyond the call of duty to help me achieve my goals. It’s directly because of Ed and SCORE that Gradspring is a going concern that’s been in business for almost two years. I would encourage any young entrepreneur to seek out SCORE and to take full advantage of the range of services that they offer to assist small business.
SCORE Nashville exists to walk alongside small business owners through every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from a spark of an idea to long-term growth and eventual transition. The organization draws on a deep bench of experienced mentors who have actually built and led companies, giving local founders access to practical guidance that goes well beyond textbook advice. Through one-on-one counseling, structured workshops, and community events, the chapter helps demystify the decisions that shape a company's future, turning uncertainty into a plan that a real person can follow with confidence.
For entrepreneurs just getting started, the focus tends to be on the fundamentals that determine whether a new venture can survive its earliest months. Mentors help founders test their assumptions, shape a clear value proposition, and put together a practical roadmap that covers marketing, sales, and basic financial controls. Visitors can explore workshops on writing a business plan, understanding legal structures, and learning the language of cash flow, so that the first chapters of a business are built on steady ground rather than guesswork.
Owners of established companies often arrive with a different set of questions, usually centered on growth, operational efficiency, and smart risk management. SCORE Nashville mentors work alongside these owners on topics like expense control, outsourcing decisions, customer development, and long-range planning, including strategies for international expansion or preparing for an eventual exit. By pairing outside perspective with the owner's own industry knowledge, the counseling sessions help leaders push through plateaus and make confident choices about hiring, financing, and the direction of the company.
Beyond formal counseling, SCORE Nashville functions as a community where business owners can learn from one another through webinars, newsletters, and shared resources. Veterans, hobbyists turning passion into income, and seasoned executives all find space to ask tough questions and refine their strategies. The chapter's calendar of events, topical workshops, and online library keep members engaged between sessions, reinforcing the idea that strong businesses are built continuously, with steady support, fresh ideas, and a willingness to keep improving over the life of the company.
