When most people hear the name "SCORE," they might imagine a network of retired executives offering advice to mom-and-pop shops. But today, that image couldn’t be further from the truth. SCORE has undergone a transformation, from a traditional advisory group into a modernized hub for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. This evolution hasn’t happened in a vacuum but has been powered by strong partnerships. One example is the working relationship between SCORE and the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development (DED).
The DED often refers current and future businessowners to SCORE as a trusted resource for business planning, mentorship, and support. But with its renewed commitment to meeting people where they are, that trust has only deepened. Tereance Moore, a forward-thinking SCORE mentor who has played a key role in that transformation, explains how the organization is leading change and why it’s more relevant than ever.
How has SCORE evolved in recent years?
Tereance Moore tabling for SCORE at a business-related event.
In recent years, SCORE has made an intentional and impressive shift from being seen as a resource for retirees and traditional business models to becoming a dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused entrepreneurial support hub. As a mentor and ambassador, I’ve seen firsthand how SCORE’s reach now includes high-growth startups, nonprofit founders, and social entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. Today's mentorship experience is more collaborative, culturally responsive, and digitally savvy than it was a decade ago. That evolution is reflected in the diversity of the mentors and the entrepreneurs we serve.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about SCORE?
One of the most persistent misconceptions is that SCORE is only for older, brick-and-mortar businesses or “just for retirees.” In reality, many of us bring deep, current expertise from tech, finance, manufacturing, and startup ecosystems, and we’re still active in those industries. Another common myth is that SCORE services come with a catch. They don’t. The advice is genuinely free. No strings, no sales pitch, just a shared commitment to helping entrepreneurs succeed.
How are you reaching younger or first-time entrepreneurs?
Through the SCORE for All initiative, we’ve leaned into community partnerships, peer-to-peer mentorship models, and events that meet emerging entrepreneurs where they are both geographically and culturally. Whether it’s pop-up pitch clinics at coworking spaces, webinars on creative capital, or social media campaigns featuring client wins, we’re bridging the gap with relevance and authenticity. SCORE mentors today are just as likely to share Google Drive templates and AI tools as they are to walk through a traditional business plan.
What’s the current energy in the SCORE community?
It’s exciting. There’s a renewed sense of purpose, especially among newer mentors, who are here to give back and build bridges. Mentorship relationships feel more like collaborations; our clients are often co-creators. That shift from “sage on the stage” to “guide on the side” has been transformative for everyone involved.
Several exciting developments reflect the momentum of SCORE DC and our broader commitment to equitable access:
Tereance Moore and another SCORE mentor at a SCORE event.
SCORE for All has become more than a banner—it’s a framework we’re applying to recruit mentors, engage communities, and ensure our resources are culturally relevant and accessible to women, veterans, people of color, and rural entrepreneurs. It’s making a real difference in who feels seen and supported.
We’re also undergoing a digital transformation, making it easier than ever to access mentorship and resources virtually. Our library of on-demand webinars, interactive templates, and new mentor matching system is streamlining how clients get timely and targeted support. That’s especially important for busy entrepreneurs balancing multiple demands.
Western Maryland has now been integrated into the Washington, DC chapter. As someone based in the region, I can attest that this alignment has expanded capacity and connection. It’s allowing us to deliver more cohesive support across the state and spotlight rural and small-town business innovation in ways that weren’t possible before.
Lastly, partnerships are driving our reach. Whether working with local chambers of commerce, the SBA, universities, or private-sector allies, SCORE is building a collaborative ecosystem where small businesses can thrive. These relationships bring additional resources, funding opportunities, and exposure to the companies we mentor.
There’s a renewed energy in the air. We’re growing, adapting, and—most importantly—meeting people where they are with the tools they need to succeed.
With mentors like Tereance Moore helping to guide the next generation of entrepreneurs, the future of SCORE is in good hands. This isn’t your grandpa’s SCORE — it’s yours.
To learn more about SCORE and other business planning resources, click here to schedule a visit with the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development.
