The federal government has acknowledged that small businesses may be especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and has responded by establishing provisions aimed at lessening some of the impact. The latest measure, known as the CARES Act, includes some of the most extensive small business relief to date. The CARES Act signed into law on March 27 is aimed at providing relief in a wide range of areas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives) is a valuable network of 11,000 volunteers who, through 360 chapters nationwide, offer small business entrepreneurs practical business counseling advice at no charge for the Life of Your Business (from conception to profitable growth). Houston Chapter of SCORE, with more than 100 volunteers, has been helping entrepreneurs and small business owners in Houston since 1965. SCORE is a Resource Partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SCORE exists to help small businesses succeed. They are a valuable resource to help small business owners navigate the CARES Act relief package. Their services are confidential and free of charge. For more information, visit the Houston SCORE website and check out the SBA Coronavirus Informational Webinars page.