SCORE Iowa Volunteer Business Mentor

A SCORE Iowa Volunteer Business Mentor provides free, confidential mentoring and practical guidance to entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners throughout Iowa. Mentors help individuals evaluate business ideas, solve business challenges, strengthen operations, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. SCORE mentors serve as trusted advisors who share professional experience, encourage problem-solving, and support Iowa’s small business community through education and relationship-building. SCORE Iowa mentors work with clients from a wide variety of industries and business stages—from individuals exploring a first business concept to established business owners seeking growth, transition, or recovery strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one mentoring to entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Assist clients in evaluating business concepts, feasibility, and market opportunities
• Offer guidance in areas such as:
  • Marketing and branding
  • Business planning
  • Financial management
  • Operations
  • Sales and customer development
  • Strategic planning
  • Communications and outreach
  • Business growth and resiliency
• Help clients identify practical solutions to business challenges
• Encourage accountability, critical thinking, and informed decision-making
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all client interactions
• Participate in SCORE mentor training and meetings as available
• Support SCORE workshops, webinars, roundtables, or community outreach when possible
• Maintain accurate mentoring records within SCORE systems

Qualifications

• Professional business, management, marketing, financial, operational, or entrepreneurial experience
• Desire to support and encourage small business success
• Strong listening, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experience levels
• Problem-solving mindset with practical, real-world perspective
• Basic computer and email skills
• Willingness to complete SCORE onboarding and mentor certification requirements

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas is helpful:

• Entrepreneurship or business ownership
• Business management or leadership
• Marketing and communications
• Finance or accounting
• Human resources
• Sales or customer service
• Manufacturing, retail, healthcare, technology, nonprofit, agriculture, or service industries
• Community leadership or public speaking

Where Mentors Are Needed

SCORE Iowa is seeking volunteer business mentors throughout the state, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Bettendorf, Iowa City, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Ames, Dubuque, Sioux City, Ankeny, West Des Moines and surrounding communities. Volunteers also located in Iowa’s smaller towns and rural communities are especially encouraged to apply. Mentors can serve clients in their own communities as well as small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Iowa through virtual mentoring.

Time Commitment

Volunteer schedules are flexible. Mentors typically:

• Conduct mentoring sessions virtually, by phone, email, or in person
• Participate based on their availability and preferred level of involvement
• May mentor a few clients monthly or maintain a more active mentoring schedule

Impact of the Role

SCORE Iowa mentors help strengthen communities across the state by supporting entrepreneurs, encouraging job creation, promoting business resiliency, and helping small businesses navigate challenges and opportunities with greater confidence.

About SCORE

SCORE is a nonprofit organization and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration dedicated to helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed through free mentoring, workshops, and educational resources.