Mentorship Improves Odds of Success for Fairfield County Entrepreneurs

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT – Starting a new business is risky, but guidance from an experienced mentor can help. In fact, entrepreneurs who work with a mentor are five times more likely to start a business – and report higher revenues and increased business growth. This National Mentoring Month, Norwalk-headquartered SCORE Fairfield County encourages entrepreneurs to find a mentor who can support them on their business journey.

“The advice and support of an experienced mentor can prove invaluable for an aspiring entrepreneur,” said Julie Poland, Chair of SCORE’s Board of Directors. “For 60 years, SCORE mentors have provided this support to help America’s small businesses launch, grow and thrive.”

Start a business and stay in business

A mentor can provide support for any small business owner, whether they’re just starting out or they’ve been in business for years. Mentoring sessions can be in-person, virtual or via email with an expert in the local community or across the country. By working with a mentor, entrepreneurs are three times more likely to stay in business.

Success stories

Vera Bradley co-founders Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller worked with SCORE mentor George Cook in the early days of their business. “George never told us what to do or how to do it,” explained Miller. “He would ask questions that helped us find the solutions for ourselves. We were very lucky to connect with somebody whose business expertise complemented our creativity."

Todd Graves, founder of the Raising Cane’s restaurant chain, sought financial and marketing advice from SCORE when he started out. “They’re committed to helping you be successful because they understand the value a small business brings to a community,” said Graves about SCORE mentors. “They also help you understand what it takes to be a successful business owner. If you’re willing to commit yourself to starting a business, SCORE will provide all the encouragement and assistance you need.”

Mentoring helps everyone

It’s not just SCORE clients who benefit from mentorship. Said SCORE mentors and Co-Chairs of the SCORE Fairfield County Chapter Ashwini “Ash” Bhaskar and Tom Shimko, “Becoming a SCORE mentor has allowed us to share our business knowledge with local entrepreneurs – both start-ups and owners of established small businesses - across Fairfield County. A passion for helping these entrepreneurs is what continues to motivate the 120-plus volunteer mentors that are part of our chapter. Doing so allows all of us to contribute and give back to the community.”

Chapter Launching 2025 Edition of 'Simple Steps for Starting Your Business' Workshops

SCORE Fairfield County, is launching the 2025 edition of its mini-MBA-like workshops “Simple Steps for Starting Your Business” in January on three consecutive Wednesday evenings at Fairfield Library (1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield). This six-part series offers aspiring entrepreneurs guidance on business planning, marketing, financial management, and more.

People interested in attending can register for these free events at the chapter’s website: https://www.score.org/fairfieldcounty. Following are descriptions for each event.

Simple Steps Series: Make your Case – Introduction to Business Cases / January 15 @ 6:00pm

Session focuses on the importance of a Business Case. Covered will be the questionnaire-based “Business Case” and Financial Projection worksheet that are helpful in assessing your readiness. Presenter: Joe McCaffrey, a Business Advisor with Community Investment Corporation.

Simple Steps Series: Financial Planning / January 22, 2025 @ 6:00pm

Presentation walks participants through the development of a comprehensive Financial Plan that is required to develop a successful start-up business. The importance of understanding the key financial drivers of the business will be a center-piece of the discussion. Presenter: Matthew Krieger, a technologist and executive with experience in IT, manufacturing and nonprofit.

Simple Steps Series: Funding and Business Planning / January 29th @ 6:00pm

Session will focus on how to gain access to capital for your small business, including an overview of the loan application process, and what lenders typically look for. Presenter: Joe McCaffrey, a Business Advisor with Community Investment Corporation.

As the new year begins, it's the perfect time to kickstart an entrepreneurial journey by working with a SCORE mentor. Interested in learning more? Reach out to SCORE today at score.org/find-mentor.

Maybe you already have years of business experience and would like to share your knowledge with others. Consider becoming a SCORE mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with invaluable guidance and expertise to navigate challenges and achieve their business goals. Learn more about becoming a mentor at score.org/volunteer.

About SCORE Fairfield County:

The SCORE Fairfield County Chapter is part of SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with 10,000 volunteers serving all 50 U.S. states and territories. Since its founding in 1964 as a resource partner for the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE has helped more than 17 million current and aspiring entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business through mentoring, resources and education. In 2023 alone, SCORE volunteers helped create 31,167 new small businesses and add 152,115 total jobs to the American economy.

SCORE Fairfield County is one of the largest and most active SCORE chapters in the country – ranked among the Top 5 of all 230 SCORE chapters nationally - providing free mentoring, workshops, and resources to help small businesses thrive. For more information about SCORE Fairfield County, to schedule a mentoring session, or to inquire about becoming a mentor visit: https://www.score.org/fairfieldcounty

SCORE Fairfield County serves small businesses and entrepreneurs in the cities and towns of: Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, New Fairfield, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Wilton, Weston and Westport.