National Non-Profit Assists NJ Small Business Owners [AUDIO]

Founded in 1964, SCORE has helped more than 10 million aspiring entrepreneurs, and now they are lending their support to New Jersey small business owners hit hard by Sandy.

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The non-profit has over 350 mentors on the ground, plus another 150 in reserve to meet the needs of small business owners.

"The mission of SCORE is to help small businesses start, improve, grow," Dick Leslie, Volunteer Mentor, said. "Our motto is: 'we're there for the life of your business.'"

Among the services being offered by the group are one-on-one mentoring, workshops around the state, and assistance for recently started businesses derailed by Sandy.

"We try to get closer to the business owner and understand what their needs are, and then respond with the right person to help them with whatever those needs happen to be,"

The mentors, who have the "been there, done that" real world experience offer advice on proper financing options, assessing re-building efforts and creating successful marketing initiatives.

Leslie says one concern in aiding storm victims was after going through so much trauma and stress from Sandy, that people would be hesitant to open up to the mentors. That hasn't been the case, however.

"By and large, we are getting a very positive response. We've been delighted that they've been willing to open up to us about what their needs are," Leslie explained.

SCORE plans on staying with this initiative until all of the need is met in New Jersey post-Sandy.

"So we want to mentor people, who are small business owners, and assist them in starting their business and growing their business through the life of that business."

Learn about all of the resources offered by SCORE by visiting the Sandy page on their website.

More Good News

3rd Annual James Volpe Foundation Wiffle Ball Tournament and Family Day

The James Volpe Foundation will hold its annual Wiffle Ball Tournament and Family Day on August 3 at Holbrook Little League Complex in Jackson.

The event will feature prizes, face painting, rides, music, games, and food. All proceeds raised will support the foundation, which supports young members reach their highest potential in education and sports through scholarships and other financial support.

The foundation was created in honor of James Volpe, a Jackson Memorial High School Senior who was killed in an automobile accident in 2011.

Shore 2 Recover

Shore 2 Recover is gearing up for its next project. The group is currently raising funds and gathering volunteers to give a Point Pleasant Beach family a new home after theirs was damaged due to severe flooding from Superstorm Sandy.

The Pirl family had lived in their home for 10 years before Sandy hit. The new home will be handicap accessible to accommodate 24-year-old Caitlin Pirl, who was involved in a hit-and-run crash in 2008.

Shore 2 Recover was founded by Toni Pecunia in December to help families and businesses at the Jersey Shore affected by Superstorm Sandy. To date, Shore 2 Recover has assisted over 570 families and four businesses. To learn more, visit their website.