New SCORE Chapter to Help Loudoun Businesses

Starting September 25, Loudoun entrepreneurs will have additional hands-on assistance with starting and growing their companies. The Small Business Administration-sponsored SCORE program (formerly known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives) is setting up shop in Loudoun County. There will be a volunteer counselor available to meet with clients from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays in Leesburg.

“This is a resource we’ve wanted to offer Loudoun companies for a long time,” says the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development’s Acting Director Buddy Rizer. “The practical, step-by-step guidance that SCORE provides free of charge can be the key to a startup’s success.”

The Loudoun Small Business Development Center, another SBA program, is partnering with SCORE to provide logistical support, and the Loudoun SCORE office will be located at the Mason Enterprise Center.

The SCORE program has been operating for almost 50 years in offices across the U.S. The organization trains experienced executives to provide solid counseling on business planning, management and growth. SCORE mentors offer private, confidential one-on-one advice to business owners in all stages of development.

In Loudoun County, SCORE services will be provided by Richard Sultan, whose professional background is in financial planning and accounting. Sultan is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and has been a SCORE mentor for seven years.

“Understanding bookkeeping can make or break a business. Richard will help entrepreneurs on this and other areas foundational to their success,” Rizer says.

Sultan will meet with clients by appointment at 202 Church Street in Leesburg, and can be contacted at 571-441-1826 or by email at SCORELoudoun@gmail.com.