SCORE business mentoring could receive $17 million yearly with congressional funding

The proposal would authorize funding for SCORE's small business assistance program. The proposed funding would be $17 million per year for SCORE. Congress would still need to approve separate spending legislation before the money could be provided. The authorization would cover fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

SCORE would provide business mentoring, workshops, and online counseling. Services would serve small business owners and people who want to become owners, including advice on starting, running, growing, buying, and selling a business. Volunteers would give advice based on their business experience and knowledge.

The Small Business Administration would check SCORE's use of federal money. The agency would review and approve contracts above a dollar limit it sets. SCORE would use a central accounting system, follow uniform federal funding rules, and keep a staff member responsible for spending compliance. Financial checks would occur every two years.

SCORE and federal officials would generally need clients' consent to share their contact details. The rule would cover people and small businesses receiving SCORE help and would apply to SCORE and the Small Business Administration. The agency could disclose information under a court order in an enforcement case brought by a federal or state agency. Its administrator could also disclose information considered necessary for a financial audit of SCORE's program, limited to information needed for that audit. It could still use client information for surveys.