Portland SCORE named national 'Chapter of the Year'
File photo/Tim Greenway
Nancy Strojny was honored as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2017.
The Portland chapter of SCORE has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2019 National SCORE Chapter of the Year.
It's one of seven SCORE chapters in the state and one of 300 nationwide.
Portland SCORE contributed to a record high number of clients receiving services in 2018, with more than 4,000 Portland SCORE clients attending mentor sessions and workshops, according to a news release from the SBA.
"Excellence, consistency, and persistence ultimately describe this year's 'SCORE Chapter of the Year' — Portland, Maine,” said Steve Records, SCORE vice president of field operations.
Portland won the small-market award last year and placed second overall. Records said finishing second gave the chapter the incentive to win this year.
“The added work that the chapter put in to improve in virtually every measurable category shows that even great performance can be bettered. Serving a rather small community, the chapter is relevant and intertwined with everything related to small business in Portland,” he said. “They are a model chapter, not just for a small market, but for SCORE chapters everywhere."
Portland SCORE grew total client services by 20%, increased mentoring clients by 12%, increased local workshop attendance by 14 and added 24 new volunteers, finishing FY18 with 74 total volunteers, according to the national chapter.
“Portland SCORE has consistently been one of the top performing chapters in the country,” SBA Deputy District Director Diane Sturgeon told Mainebiz Monday. “They consistently rank as one of the top chapters nationally for their outstanding client engagement and through their innovative ideas. At any event discussing small business success, during pitch competitions, and during small business awards Portland SCORE is always one of the organizations recognized by small businesses as having helped them with their growth and development.
“They have a wide and diverse network of local mentors and industry experts who work tirelessly to assist their clients using innovative methods to make sure client needs are always met,” she said.
Amy Bassett, SBA district director for Maine said, “Every day, the amazing volunteers from the Portland SCORE chapter provide mentoring and advising to entrepreneurs striving to achieve the American Dream. We are thrilled that their commitment and dedication to their clients is being recognized at the national level.
“We are extremely fortunate to have the Portland SCORE chapter as a valued small business resource in Maine.”
Portland SCORE leverages a network of dozens of mentors to provide both one-on-one mentoring services to their clients, as well as provide a wide array of free workshops to entrepreneurs in southern Maine.
“SCORE Portland is honored and grateful to be chosen for this prestigious national Award,” Nancy Strojny, chapter chair of Portland SCORE, said in the news release. “Our talented mentors share their expertise, time and connections to help entrepreneurs create new businesses and jobs in Maine,” added Strojny.
Portland SCORE will receive its award as part of National Small Business Week 2019 on May 5 in Washington, D.C.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration a go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.
About SCORE
SCORE, the nation's largest volunteer business mentoring service, is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing mentoring to individuals in business, or to those thinking about starting a business. Founded in 1964, SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE volunteers are real-world professionals, both actively employed as well as retired, with time-tested knowledge and perspective to help clients succeed.
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