One-on-One Counseling is available free of charge to persons who are already in business and to those individuals who have taken concrete steps to start a new business, such as having begun the business planning process, attended one or more SCORE Workshops or have committed some of their ideas and plans to writing. A Pre-Counseling Workshop is available without charge to those who are considering starting their own business, but haven’t yet made the decision to proceed and are looking for information to assist them in making a final decision. Please indicate below the status of your business plans so that we might most effectively assist you:
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An effective Counseling session should focus on your specific needs and questions, however discussions may identify additional issues to consider. The Counseling session should conclude with agreement about additional work and future Counseling objectives. It is not expected that a detailed business plan will exist at the time of the Counseling, although we are prepared to discuss it with you if such a plan is available.
A request for information on a specific subject or question is best handled by calling the
SCORE
office in Nashville at
615-736-7621
between the hours of 9:00 am and Noon, Monday through Friday. The Counselor on duty can usually provide answers or direct you to the appropriate resources.
SCORE Nashville provides one-on-one counseling tailored to the practical needs of small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across the region. Experienced volunteer mentors work closely with clients to clarify goals, examine challenges, and develop realistic plans that reflect each business's stage and resources. Sessions cover topics such as planning, marketing, financial management, customer focus, and operational decisions, offering steady guidance for both new ventures and established companies seeking to grow or stabilize. Because counseling is offered without charge, local business owners can access seasoned perspective without straining their budgets, making it a valued community resource for anyone committed to building a stronger foundation for their enterprise. For those still weighing whether to launch, a Pre-Counseling Workshop offers an accessible starting point. This session helps prospective owners explore their ideas, assess readiness, and understand the commitment required before investing time and money. Participants learn how to evaluate concepts, identify gaps in knowledge, and outline next steps if they decide to move forward. By clarifying the decision-making process early, the workshop reduces uncertainty and equips future entrepreneurs with a clearer sense of direction. Together, these services reflect SCORE Nashville's broader mission of supporting businesses through every phase of their journey, from initial curiosity to long-term success.
One-on-one counseling offers a structured way for current and aspiring business owners to work directly with experienced mentors who can help shape strategy, sharpen planning, and navigate tough decisions. The format is designed to be accessible, giving entrepreneurs the chance to talk through goals, ask pointed questions, and receive guidance tailored to where they actually are in their journey, whether they are still weighing the idea of starting, drafting a business plan, or already running an established operation. Sessions typically focus on practical areas like finances, marketing, operations, and day-to-day management, helping participants build clearer plans, identify gaps, and move forward with greater confidence. By combining listening, real-world experience, and structured feedback, the counseling process supports smarter decision-making and more sustainable growth for small businesses at every stage of development.
