A Program That Created 144,000 Jobs Faces Cuts — Small Business Future in the Balance

The Challenge Facing SCORE

SCORE, a nonprofit organization that has been supporting small businesses for over six decades, recently encountered a significant challenge. The latest tax and spending bill eliminated approximately 60% of its federal funding, which was a crucial part of its budget. For an organization that provides free mentoring to hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs annually, this loss is a major setback.

However, this situation might not be the end of SCORE but rather the beginning of a new chapter. With a vast network of 10,000 volunteer mentors and a proven track record of economic impact, including helping start 58,000 new businesses and creating 144,000 jobs in 2024 alone, SCORE has always been a vital resource for small business owners. Now, without reliable federal support, it faces a critical decision: continue relying on uncertain government funding or reinvent itself as a self-sustaining entity.

The Economic Impact of SCORE

The real impact behind SCORE's numbers is substantial. According to internal data, every federal dollar invested generated $45 in economic benefits. This was achieved through four million mentoring hours across 200 chapters, advising over 300,000 entrepreneurs annually. These figures demonstrate that SCORE’s work is not just a feel-good story — it is an economic engine that drives growth and innovation.

Despite these impressive results, the realities of federal budget cuts have forced SCORE's leadership to confront a difficult question: How can the organization continue fulfilling its mission without government backing?

Facing Tough Realities

As an advocate and advisor for small businesses, it is painful to see organizations like SCORE lose their support. SCORE has clearly been a valuable agency that has helped countless small businesses since its founding in 1964. However, it is also important to acknowledge the broader fiscal challenges facing the country.

The reality is that there are limitations to what we can afford. While many would like to see free education, healthcare, clean water, safe highways, and strong defense, the current fiscal landscape includes a $2 trillion annual deficit and a $36 trillion national debt. Some things must be cut, and unfortunately, some good programs may lose funding — even those with proven results. Government spending must be prioritized and trimmed where possible, and this means that some organizations will need to find new models to survive.

A Bold Proposal: What If SCORE Became a Business?

SCORE's greatest asset isn't just its volunteers or history — it's its infrastructure, leadership, and brand recognition. These assets could enable SCORE to spin off from government support and operate as a private, self-sustaining entity.

It already has the foundation — a trusted name in the small business community, a robust volunteer network, and experienced leadership. With the right strategy, SCORE could attract investors, lenders, or equity partners who see the value in its proven return on investment. That ROI can be translated into real dollars.

Imagine SCORE charging a sliding scale of fees based on a business's ability to pay — allowing startups and small enterprises with limited resources to still receive help, while those who can afford it contribute. Or consider raising funds from corporate sponsors who already invest heavily in small business programs, redirecting those dollars toward SCORE's mission.

SCORE could also contract its expertise to consulting firms or financial institutions — creating new revenue streams while expanding its impact.

Why Change Is Necessary

SCORE's traditional model — volunteer consultants supported by government-paid staff — has its limitations. Volunteers vary in quality and motivation, and government employees don't operate under typical business incentives that reward customer satisfaction and performance. For SCORE to thrive in a post-funding world, it must adopt a model that encourages accountability, quality, and sustainability.

The Opportunity Ahead

If SCORE were to disappear, would more small businesses fail? Would the economy suffer? Probably not dramatically — other organizations and market forces would fill some gaps. But SCORE has a unique opportunity to redefine itself — not just as a nonprofit supporter of small business but as a business itself, accountable for its outcomes and financially self-sufficient. Like the entrepreneurs it helps, SCORE can pivot, adapt, and innovate.

Final Thoughts

Brigett Weston, SCORE's CEO, recently said, "Without federal support, this incredibly efficient and effective program is at serious risk of no longer fulfilling its mission." That risk is real. But it's also a chance.

SCORE can lead the way in demonstrating how public support programs might evolve to meet today's financial realities — continuing to empower entrepreneurs and build our economy, but on its own terms.

This is not just a story about funding cuts; it's about resilience, reinvention, and the future of small business support in America.