JANUARY
2021
Small Business News & Events For You
"A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you." — Bob Proctor
RESOURCES
It's National Mentoring Month
For many business owners, the start of a new year comes with lots of new ideas and big goals. But like many traditional New Year’s resolutions, actually following through on those goals throughout the year can be a challenge.

Luckily, there’s a proven way to help you achieve your business goals, whether you want to start a new business, grow your existing business or just need some help navigating the world of entrepreneurship: mentorship.

It’s National Mentoring Month, and at SCORE we’re celebrating by highlighting all of the ways that mentorship can have a positive impact on your business. Click the link below to read our full article.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Black Women Entrepreneurs Need Support To Keep Black Communities Strong
By Geri Stangel, Forbes.com Contributor
In 2019, businesses owned by Black women represented 42% of all new women-owned businesses, according to a report by American Express. That’s three times their share of the female population, which is just 14%.

But in 2020, Black-owned businesses were hit particularly by the economic downturn of COVID-19. Black-owned companies closed their doors at 2.5 times the rate of white-owned businesses, seeing a decline of 42% between February and April 2020. White-owned businesses, meanwhile, fell just 17%.

According to this article by Forbes contributor Geri Stengel, limiting the impact of the economy on Black-owned businesses, particularly those owned by women, will require more than PPP loans and other economic support. Stengel argues mentorship and other levels of support and education will be necessary to support these vital businesses and business owners.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Forklifts NH
Owner: Dave Gugger

Dave Gugger has more than 35 years of technical expertise providing quality service for electric and gas forklifts. He first established his business in 2010, but the business has gone through some changes in the last year. In May of 2020, Gugger and his team fine-tuned their focus, changed their business name to Forklifts NH and moved to a larger facility in Hooksett, NH. Today, the business offers repairs and preventative maintenance for industrial forklifts in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, sells new and used forklifts and offers forklift rentals.

The business is also committed to doing good in the world. When you repair equipment with Forklifts NH, you help save the life of a child in South Africa. Former employee Dan Peront and his wife are in South Africa working to help with the country's orphan crisis. Forklifts NH is committed to supporting their work.

Learn more at www.forkliftsnh.com.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
We offer a variety of virtual workshops and webinar series. Use the button below to visit our workshops page to view the calendar of events and register.
Meet with a SCORE Mentor
Need Help With Your Business or Business Idea?

Mentors at Merrimack Valley SCORE are here to provide you local, expert advice.
Visit our website or call (603) 666-7561 now to request a mentor.
Volunteer with SCORE
Help Make Dreams Come True.

Small businesses need your help! Become a volunteer with Merrimack Valley SCORE and help build the Southern New Hampshire business community. If you enjoy engaging with others and sharing your experience and expertise, please contact us!
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for more than 50 years.

Because our work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and thanks to our network of 10,000+ volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at a very low cost. Learn more about SCORE.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
SCORE Merrimack Valley
Email Us | Website | Tel: (603) 666-7561
275 Chestnut Street, Suite 133, Manchester NH 03101
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