Press Release

NEW JERSEY – Giving back can mean a lot to a volunteer, just ask Ruben Ulloa of Orange County, California, who volunteers with SCORE, the nation’s largest network of mentors and executives assisting small business owners.

Hispanic entrepreneurs are the fastest-growing segment of business owners in the U.S.  There are over 331,625 Hispanic-owned employer businesses, according to the latest U.S. Census figures. Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, 2021 is a great time to support Hispanic small businesses. 

“As a Hispanic myself and being an entrepreneur for more than 35 years I can help you with your dream of becoming business owner or if you are already are an owner, I can guide you on how grow your business,” said Ulloa.

“I have the experience of starting a retail bookstore and later a wholesale distribution center that became the biggest in the USA in our niche market by using strategic marketing, sales, customer service, inventory control and e-commerce,” he said.

SCORE has been deluged with requests for mentoring and expertise as small business owners and entrepreneurs seek advice and support to get their businesses back on their feet in the wake of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.

While the number of Hispanic-owned small businesses has been increasing since 2013, data shows that minority-owned small businesses, specifically, Hispanic- and Black-owned small businesses, have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and less likely to receive supplemental funding or government aid programs for businesses.

More volunteers like Ulloa are needed to support SCORE’s diverse client base. SCORE is especially seeking Spanish-speaking mentors and those willing to share their expertise with its Latino client base. Whether you have a few hours a month or a few hours a week– whether you are working or retired – you can volunteer and help small businesses build back through SCORE. Executives and entrepreneurs with marketing savvy, business coaching skills or expert knowledge in business management are needed.

Subject matter experts volunteer 2-10 hours per month and consult with mentors and business owners to answer questions in your area of expertise. 

Local workshop presenters share their mastery of a business topic or strategy and deliver locally-developed business training for small business owners. The time required can be as little as 2-10 hours for each presentation.

SCORE mentors, like Ulloa, provide hands-on assistance to local small business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs, helping develop business plans and a roadmap for growth. Mentors have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as broad and expert experience as a business owner or upper-level manager. This role requires training and then 15-20 hours per month of volunteer time.

To volunteer, apply today at score.org/volunteer. Your local SCORE chapter will reach out to learn more about you and to share information about onboarding and training.