The Lowcountry Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) was ranked outstanding by clients in 2012 based on a survey designed by PricewaterhouseCoopers to measure client satisfaction. The local chapter was honored in the top 10 nationally out of more than 340 chapters. Each client served by SCORE automatically receives a questionnaire, and about 10% respond.

The Lowcountry  SCORE has 40 volunteers who provide counseling to small business, nonprofits or any individual or group considering starting such. This chapter serves Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties. The chapter has also developed seminars  to be given in cooperation with Chambers of Commerce, colleges, high schools, and other organizations.

According to the national report, 33 new businesses were assisted in starting in the four county area that is served by this chapter   The local SCORE group receives about $2,000 from the Small Business Administration. Each volunteer counselor contributes time, funds and mileage to support the effort.

The Beaufort office is in First Citizens bank on Lady’s Island. If your business or nonprofit needs help or you want to start either, call the Hilton Head office at 843-785-7107 or the Beaufort office at 843-470-0800 and leave a message.  Your call will be returned to set up an appointment. One-on-one counseling is free and confidential.

For more information, contact President Gene Sherman in Hilton Head at 363-6770 or Jim Bequette in Beaufort at 521-0931.

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<b>Gourmet on Wheels recognized for local success: </b>

As a result of being named SCORE’s Business of the Year, Gourmet on Wheels was featured on the South Carolina Business Review in conjunction with SCETV and NPR on May 3. On the radio broadcast, owner Tony Makar talked about starting his business five years ago to help people thrive in their homes with low salt, low sugar meals. They buy ingredients from local sources, and deliver the healthy meals once a week to Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head. For more information about the business or to order meals online, visit www.gourmetonwheels.org.
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