Businesses SCORE big with Sam’s Club grant

Sam’s Club is taking its efforts to help and recognize small businesses to a new level with a $700,000 grant to SCORE.

The American Small Business Championship through SCORE will award 102 small businesses, two in every state and the District of Columbia, for their sacrifice and dedication to the success of their business. The Small Business Champions will receive a $1,000 Sam's Club gift card, an all-expense-paid trip to a training event, SCORE mentoring for one year, and promotion throughout the year to showcase each Champion's story.

"We are so grateful for the opportunity to once again work with Sam's Club to recognize the incredible achievements and perseverance of American small businesses," said SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. "This combination of funds, training and mentoring is the perfect formula to help take these stellar businesses to the next level of growth."

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 10 million aspiring entrepreneurs. Each year, SCORE provides small business mentoring, workshops and education to more than 375,000 new and growing small businesses. More than 11,000 business experts volunteer as mentors in over 320 chapters serving local communities with entrepreneur education.

The $700,000 grant from Sam's Club to SCORE will not only support the 102 champions with resources and training, but also allows SCORE to host five regional training events for an additional 1,500 small business owners throughout 2015.

"Sam's Club business members tell us they need better access to training, mentoring and capital to succeed, and by working with SCORE, we can respond to these needs while taking time to reward small business owners' hard work and dedication," said Don Frieson, executive vice president for operations at Sam's Club. "Our associates and the communities we serve are excited to celebrate America's Small Business Champions and continue to help them save money and time every day."