The Andover Community Hub invites the more than 250 Andover-based businesses and nonprofits (as identified by the New Hampshire Department of State) to learn how a local nonprofit called Merrimack Valley SCORE can help them grow and thrive. The in-person meeting, free and open to the public, will take place at The Hub, beginning at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, September 19, and will be led by Heather Turner, one of more than 50 local SCORE mentors and its co-chair and event manager.  The Hub is located at 157 Main St. in Andover Village. 

The SCORE Association was previously known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives, but is now recognized as SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” It is a 501 nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring services to entrepreneurs in the United States. The organization also presents business workshops and seminars for a fee. Learn more about this national organization at www.score.org, and the local chapter at www.score.org/merrimackvalley.

The Hub event will consist of two parts: first, a presentation about SCORE and the many ways it can make small businesses and nonprofits more successful; and then, a brief workshop on “Networking 101: The Art of In-Person Networking,” to offer a glimpse at how many of SCORE’s services are delivered, both in-person and on-line. 

SCORE’s mission is “to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education.” Further information on its website adds that “SCORE is dedicated to helping Rural entrepreneurs achieve their business goals. Access personal mentorship, free business training, and a plethora of resources, designed especially for rural business owners like you. 

“Whether it’s applying for rural development grants or navigating local economic organizations, we’ve got your back. Grow your business while maintaining your rural roots with SCORE!”

Turner is a Merrimack Valley Certified SCORE mentor. She spent 20 years cooking professionally and in 2003 started her own business (with the assistance of a SCORE mentor). She currently teaches social media and marketing for small businesses, and mentors and co-mentors in the chapter for marketing and social media for startup businesses and for existing businesses who need some help and guidance in the digital age.