SCORE is a nationwide network of volunteer business mentors funded by the Small Business Administration. Texas has active SCORE chapters in every major metropolitan area, offering free one-on-one business mentoring, workshops, and online resources. SCORE mentors are experienced business professionals who volunteer their time to help small business owners succeed.
What SCORE Provides
- Free mentoring: One-on-one sessions with experienced business mentors, available in person and virtually.
- Free workshops: Regularly scheduled sessions on business planning, marketing, financial management, and other topics.
- Industry-specific expertise: SCORE matches mentees with mentors who have relevant industry experience.
- Ongoing relationships: Mentoring is not limited to a single session — SCORE encourages ongoing mentor-mentee relationships.
Texas SCORE Chapters
Houston Chapter
One of the largest SCORE chapters in the country. Serves the greater Houston metropolitan area with hundreds of active mentors across multiple industries.
Dallas Chapter
Serves Dallas, Collin, Denton, and surrounding counties. Offers regular workshops at multiple locations throughout the metroplex.
San Antonio Chapter
Serves the San Antonio metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Partners with local SBDCs and the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation.
Austin Chapter
Serves Central Texas including Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties. Strong focus on technology startups and creative businesses alongside traditional industries.
Other Texas Chapters
Additional chapters serve Fort Worth, El Paso, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley, Lubbock, Amarillo, and other Texas communities.
How to Find Your SCORE Mentor
- Visit score.org and enter your zip code
- Browse available mentors by industry and expertise
- Request a mentor through the online form
- Schedule your first session (in person or virtual)
SCORE and Government Programs
SCORE mentors can help you understand the government funding landscape, but they are generalist business advisors, not grant specialists. For specific program identification, consider combining SCORE mentoring with targeted program research:
- SCORE: Ongoing business strategy, financial management, and growth planning
- SBDC: Business plan development, loan packaging, market research Find your SBDC.
- Program screening: Identifying specific grants, tax credits, and incentives your business may qualify for
Find Programs That May Fit
While your SCORE mentor can help with business strategy, our free screening report provides specific program matching against 150+ verified grants, tax credits, loans, and incentives. Start your free screening →