Tag: bridget weston

QUOTES

“SCORE is a connected network that reaches across the country of experienced business mentors who volunteer their time and expertise to help anyone looking to start or grow or is struggling in a small business.” (Bridget)

“Like small businesses need to do, we need to evolve as an organization as well.” (Bridget)

“Because SCORE had already seen that virtual was a viable path to connecting with people, we were able to move to virtual mentoring and virtual education without missing a beat. We didn’t miss a day of service.” (Bridget)

“We can’t lose that human touch and that human connection. That personal touch, I believe, will always need to be there.” (Bridget)

“If you meet with a business mentor for three hours, you are five times more likely to increase your revenue.” (Bridget)

“One of the top commonalities that all of the SCORE volunteers have is that they want to help others to make sure that they can have an easier time of succeeding in their small business.” (Bridget)

“It helps them to feel not only that they’re giving back, but they’re getting something in return by connecting with these people.” (Bridget)

“Mentoring is free. You can meet with a mentor one time, you can meet with a mentor 1,000 times. It is always free.” (Bridget)

“On average, people stay at SCORE to volunteer for five plus years. If it wasn’t fulfilling, if it wasn’t engaging, you would go and find another opportunity.” (Bridget)

“It is this beautiful relationship that can develop over time. I know mentors who have been invited to their clients’ children’s weddings, to christenings, to funerals.” (Bridget)

“You don’t have to be an expert in all things, but you also don’t have to be alone. Let us help you.” (Bridget)

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Without a strong economy, we don’t have as strong of communities.” (Bridget)

NOTES

Bridget Weston is the CEO of SCORE, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit networks dedicated to supporting small business owners. With more than 16 years at the organization, she leads its mission of mentoring, education and community impact.

SCORE is a national nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, offering free mentoring and education to entrepreneurs. With thousands of volunteer mentors across the country, SCORE empowers small business owners at every stage of growth, from idea to exit strategy.

Founded over 60 years ago by retired DuPont executives, SCORE has evolved beyond its original “Service Corps of Retired Executives” identity to welcome working professionals and leaders from diverse backgrounds. Today, 30% of SCORE’s volunteers are still actively working, ensuring clients benefit from fresh perspectives as well as seasoned expertise. In 2023 alone, SCORE helped launch more than 54,000 businesses and add 83,000 jobs to the economy.

SCORE evolved from an organization of retired executives to a diverse network of working and retired professionals volunteering their expertise.

The organization anticipated the shift toward virtual mentoring before the pandemic and now serves more than 80% of clients virtually.

While embracing technology and AI, SCORE emphasizes that human connection and personal touch remain essential to mentoring.

SCORE serves a wide range of entrepreneurs, from microbusinesses and restaurants to government contractors and encore entrepreneurs (55+).

Volunteers often stay with SCORE for five or more years because the experience is rewarding and deeply meaningful.

Mentoring is always free, allowing entrepreneurs to access guidance as often as they need.

SCORE partnerships—with SBA, AARP, universities and local organizations—expand reach and connect mentors with both younger and older entrepreneurs.

Small businesses are “the backbone of our economy,” and SCORE’s work strengthens communities across the country.

Behind every thriving small business is often a great mentor—and many of those mentors happen to be retirees. On Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Bridget Weston, CEO of SCORE, shared how her organization connects experienced professionals with the next generation of entrepreneurs, fueling purpose, innovation, and community impact.

Derek and Bridget discussed how SCORE pairs seasoned professionals with younger entrepreneurs, how older mentors stay engaged and purposeful through volunteering and the role of encore entrepreneurs (age 55+) in starting new ventures.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT IS SCORE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

SCORE is a connected network that reaches across the country of experienced business mentors who volunteer their time and expertise to help anyone looking to start, grow, or even struggling to sustain a small business.

WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY OLDER ADULTS ARE DRAWN TO MENTORING?

Our volunteers have years of valuable experience—both successes and failures—and they want to help others avoid the same pitfalls. Mentoring gives them a way to share their expertise while staying connected and engaged. Many tell us they get as much from the relationship as their mentees do. They build friendships, stay mentally sharp, and continue learning through co-mentoring and communities of practice focused on everything from AI to agriculture.

HOW DOES SCORE HELP OLDER ADULTS STAY ENGAGED AND PURPOSEFUL?

SCORE naturally attracts lifelong learners—people who want to stay sharp and connected. We offer continuous education on topics like technology, policy, and workforce trends, as well as communities of practice where volunteers can explore their interests. These groups not only keep mentors learning but also allow them to give back in meaningful, impactful ways. Many volunteers say they feel just as fulfilled—if not more—after a mentoring session as their clients do.

WHAT ARE SOME SUCCESS STORIES THAT STAND OUT TO YOU?

There are hundreds. We’ve had a veteran who invented new backpacking gear now selling nationwide, an entrepreneur who created nap pods for airports, and food truck owners who grew into brick-and-mortar restaurants. Our mentors often form long-term relationships with clients—attending weddings, funerals, and major life events. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their impact not just on businesses, but on entire communities.

WHAT ROLE DOES SCORE PLAY IN STRENGTHENING LOCAL COMMUNITIES?

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our neighborhoods. They’re the ones sponsoring little league teams, supporting local events, and keeping communities vibrant. By helping small businesses succeed, we’re strengthening the fabric of local life. When entrepreneurs thrive, communities thrive.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OLDER ADULTS LOOKING FOR MEANINGFUL WAYS TO GIVE BACK?

Join SCORE. But more broadly, find something that lights a fire in you—something that lets you go to bed thinking, “I made the world a little better today.” Whether it’s through SCORE or another organization, giving back is deeply fulfilling. Many of our volunteers say they feel just as rewarded as the entrepreneurs they help, because service gives purpose and connection.

Want to hear more from Bridget? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.