H.R. 1700House115th Congress (2017-2019)Passed House

SCORE for Small Business Act of 2018

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 2:11 PM UTC

The SCORE for Small Business Act of 2018 reauthorizes the SCORE program that provides free counseling, mentoring and workshops to current and aspiring small‑business owners. It authorizes up to $10.5 million in funding for fiscal years 2019 and 2020, expands online counseling and reporting requirements, and directs a study and strategic plan for the program’s future. The changes affect the SCORE Association, its volunteers, and the small‑business community they serve.

Key Provisions

Authorizes up to $10.5 million each year for FY 2019 and FY 2020 for SCORE program grants or cooperative agreements.
Redefines the SCORE program and its managing association, specifying volunteer duties to provide free counseling, mentoring and low‑cost workshops.
Requires the SCORE Association to submit annual reports on counseling hours, businesses formed or expanded, and jobs created.
Adds an online component, including webinars and an electronic mentoring platform, with a report on its effectiveness after FY 2019.
Mandates a study and a five‑year strategic plan for the SCORE program, with a report to congressional committees within six months of enactment.
Updates numerous statutes to replace references to the Service Corps of Retired Executives with “SCORE program.”

Legislative Activity

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8 earlier actions

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

July 11, 2018

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

March 23, 2017

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.

Small Business Committee

March 23, 2017

HouseFloor

Mr. Chabot moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

July 10, 2018 • 7:14 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6028-6030)

July 10, 2018 • 7:14 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1700.

July 10, 2018 • 7:14 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6028-6029)

July 10, 2018 • 7:24 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6028-6029)

July 10, 2018 • 7:24 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

July 10, 2018 • 7:24 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

July 11, 2018

Floor Debate

4 members

What members said about H.R. 1700 on the floor

1 Republican3 Democrats

Rep. Steve ChabotR-OH-1 · Jul 10, 2018

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1700) to amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize the SCORE program, and for other purposes, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I ask…

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1700) to amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize the SCORE program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, this evening, in support of H.R. 1700, the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2018, which was introduced by the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), and I want to commend her for her leadership on this legislation. This legislation will allow the SCORE program to continue to offer business mentoring and training to thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners each year.

The SCORE program currently includes over 11,000 volunteer mentors, with expertise across 62 industries, who collectively provide more than a million hours of business counseling each year.

When an entrepreneur seeks a SCORE mentor, they are purposely paired with a business professional with knowledge in a specific field or experience facing specific challenges. This process ensures that the concerns of the entrepreneur are met by the volunteer mentor.

In addition to SCORE's mentorship services, the program also offers in-person business training classes at its 350 chapter locations nationwide. Entrepreneurs can also utilize the extensive online training opportunities and free business tools available on SCORE's national website.

Last fiscal year, SCORE trained over a half million clients, empowering them to start, run, and scale their business. This legislation will allow SCORE to continue to provide these important services.

H.R. 1700 reauthorizes the SCORE program at $10.5 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2020, providing for enhanced services to SCORE clients. This legislation also formally changes the program's name from the Service Core of Retired Executives to the more commonly used name of

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the gentlewoman from North Carolina if she has any further speakers this evening, and, if not, I believe I have the right to close. So if she has any concluding remarks, I would be happy to yield if the gentlewoman has any other speakers to speak on this issue because I would be closing then.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the commonsense improvements in this bill will allow the SCORE program to continue its mission: helping entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

With over 99 percent of all businesses in the United States being classified as small, it is vital that these business owners have access to effective entrepreneurial resources.

H.R. 1700 would ensure that, regardless of location, a small-business owner can access SCORE mentoring and training.

Mr. Speaker, I would, again, like to commend the gentlewoman from North Carolina for her leadership on this important matter. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Alma S. AdamsD-NC-12 · Jul 10, 2018

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 1700, the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2018. There are nearly 30 million small businesses in…

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 1700, the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2018.

There are nearly 30 million small businesses in the United States, representing more than 99 percent of all businesses. These small firms employ nearly 50 percent of all private sector employees in the United States.

These trailblazers play a critical role in the American economy. They take great risks by launching new ventures, developing new products, and establishing new industries; and, ultimately, these brave efforts help spur growth in our economy.

The Small Business Administration, SBA, is a vital part of their support system. The SBA administers a portfolio of Entrepreneurial Development programs, which includes the Service Corps of Retired Executives, better known as SCORE.

Through this program, the SBA has undertaken efforts to connect new entrepreneurs and small-business owners with more experienced businessmen

and -women. This expansive network consists of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and executives who volunteer as mentors to small firms both in-person and online.

SCORE has grown to become one of the Federal Government's largest volunteer business adviser and mentoring programs. In 2017, 59 percent of SCORE's clients were women, 39 percent minorities, and 11 percent veterans.

My legislation reauthorizes this essential program so that it will continue to have the ability to meet the needs of entrepreneurs. With technology enhancements and streamlined service processes, SCORE mentoring will now be accessible to business owners, no matter their location.

I urge Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I do have the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Evans), who will speak on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Evans).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I do want to thank Chairman Chabot for his support.

There is no question that we need to support our small businesses across the country, no matter their location, industry, or expertise level. My bill, H.R. 1700, provides that critical support by reauthorizing a major component of SBA's entrepreneurial programs and clarifying the utilization of the volunteer base.

This bill is supported by the SCORE Association and is reflective of the growth of this program that actively engages business owners, as well as retired executives, to mentor the next generation of job makers.

I want to again thank Chairman Chabot for working in a bipartisan manner to help our Nation's small businesses and for his support to reauthorize SCORE.

I would urge all of the Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Sheila Jackson LeeD-TX-18 · Jul 10, 2018

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1700, the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2017. H.R. 1700 amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize the SCORE program (Service Corps of Retired…

Rep. Dwight EvansD-PA-2 · Jul 10, 2018

Mr. Speaker, I want to lend my voice to this very important essential legislation. Nothing is more important than mentoring, particularly in small businesses. I know in the particular case of the…

Bill Text

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Referred in SenateIssued July 11, 2018

IIB

115th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 1700

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 11, 2018

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

AN ACT

To amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize the SCORE program, and for other purposes.

Short title

This title may be cited as the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2018.

SCORE Reauthorization

Section 20 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 note) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (f); and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(g)

SCORE program

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out the SCORE program authorized by section 8(b)(1) such sums as are necessary for the Administrator to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements in a total amount that does not exceed $10,500,000 in each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020.

SCORE program

Section 8 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b)(1)(B)—

(A)

by striking a Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and inserting the SCORE program described in subsection (c); and

(B)

by striking SCORE may and inserting the SCORE program may; and

(2)

by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

(c)

SCORE program

(1)

Definition

In this subsection:

(A)

SCORE Association

The term SCORE Association means the Service Corps of Retired Executives Association or any successor or other organization that receives a grant from the Administrator to operate the SCORE program under paragraph (2)(A).

(B)

SCORE program

The term SCORE program means the SCORE program authorized by subsection (b)(1)(B).

(2)

Management and volunteers

(A)

In general

The Administrator shall provide a grant to the SCORE Association to manage the SCORE program.

(B)

Volunteers

A volunteer participating in the SCORE program shall—

(i)

based on the business experience and knowledge of the volunteer—

(I)

provide at no cost to individuals who own, or aspire to own, small business concerns personal counseling, mentoring, and coaching relating to the process of starting, expanding, managing, buying, and selling a business; and

(II)

facilitate low-cost education workshops for individuals who own, or aspire to own, small business concerns; and

(ii)

as appropriate, use tools, resources, and expertise of other organizations to carry out the SCORE program.

(3)

Plans and goals

The Administrator, in consultation with the SCORE Association, shall ensure that the SCORE program and each chapter of the SCORE program develop and implement plans and goals to more effectively and efficiently provide services to individuals in rural areas, economically disadvantaged communities, and other traditionally underserved communities, including plans for electronic initiatives, web-based initiatives, chapter expansion, partnerships, and the development of new skills by volunteers participating in the SCORE program.

(4)

Annual report

The SCORE Association shall submit to the Administrator an annual report that contains—

(A)

the number of individuals counseled or trained under the SCORE program;

(B)

the number of hours of counseling provided under the SCORE program; and

(C)

to the extent possible—

(i)

the number of small business concerns formed with assistance from the SCORE program;

(ii)

the number of small business concerns expanded with assistance from the SCORE program; and

(iii)

the number of jobs created with assistance from the SCORE program.

(5)

Privacy requirements

(A)

In general

Neither the Administrator nor the SCORE Association may disclose the name, address, or telephone number of any individual or small business concern receiving assistance from the SCORE Association without the consent of such individual or small business concern, unless—

(i)

the Administrator is ordered to make such a disclosure by a court in any civil or criminal enforcement action initiated by a Federal or State agency; or

(ii)

the Administrator determines such a disclosure to be necessary for the purpose of conducting a financial audit of the SCORE program, in which case disclosure shall be limited to the information necessary for the audit.

(B)

Administrator use of information

This paragraph shall not—

(i)

restrict the access of the Administrator to program activity data; or

(ii)

prevent the Administrator from using client information to conduct client surveys.

(C)

Standards

(i)

In general

The Administrator shall, after the opportunity for notice and comment, establish standards for—

(I)

disclosures with respect to financial audits under subparagraph (A)(ii); and

(II)

conducting client surveys, including standards for oversight of the surveys and for dissemination and use of client information.

(ii)

Maximum privacy protection

The standards issued under this subparagraph shall, to the extent practicable, provide for the maximum amount of privacy protection.

Online component

(a)

In general

Section 8(c) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(c)), as amended by section 3, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(6)

Online component

In carrying out this subsection, the SCORE Association shall make use of online counseling, including by developing and implementing webinars and an electronic mentoring platform to expand access to services provided under this subsection and to further support entrepreneurs.

(b)

Online component report

(1)

In general

At the end of fiscal year 2019, the SCORE Association shall issue a report to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate on the effectiveness of the online counseling and webinars required as part of the SCORE program, including a description of—

(A)

how the SCORE Association determines electronic mentoring and webinar needs, develops training for electronic mentoring, establishes webinar criteria curricula, and evaluates webinar and electronic mentoring results;

(B)

the internal controls that are used and a summary of the topics covered by the webinars; and

(C)

performance metrics, including the number of small business concerns counseled by, the number of small business concerns created by, the number of jobs created and retained by, and the funding amounts directed towards such online counseling and webinars.

(2)

Definitions

For purposes of this subsection, the terms SCORE Association and SCORE program have the meaning given those terms, respectively, under section 8(c)(1) of the Small Business Act, as added by section 3 of this Act.

Study and report on the future role of the SCORE program

(a)

Study

The SCORE Association shall carry out a study on the future role of the SCORE program and develop a strategic plan for how the SCORE program will meet the needs of small business concerns during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, with specific objectives for the first, third, and fifth years of the 5-year period.

(b)

Report

Not later than the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the SCORE Association shall issue a report to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate containing—

(1)

all findings and determination made in carrying out the study required under subsection (a);

(2)

the strategic plan developed under subsection (a);

(3)

an explanation of how the SCORE Association plans to achieve the strategic plan, assuming both stagnant and increased funding levels.

(c)

Definitions

For purposes of this section, the terms SCORE Association and SCORE program have the meaning given those terms, respectively, under section 8(c)(1) of the Small Business Act, as added by section 3 of this Act.

Technical and conforming amendments

(a)

Small business act

The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 7 (15 U.S.C. 636)—

(A)

in subsection (b)(12)—

(i)

in the paragraph heading, by inserting program after SCORE; and

(ii)

in subparagraph (A), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program; and

(B)

in subsection (m)(3)(A)(i)(VIII), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program; and

(2)

in section 22 (15 U.S.C. 649)—

(A)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

in paragraph (1), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program; and

(ii)

in paragraph (3), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program; and

(B)

in subsection (c)(12), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program.

(b)

Other laws

(1)

Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997

Section 707 of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 (15 U.S.C. 631 note) is amended by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program and inserting SCORE program (as defined in section 8(c)(1) of the Small Business Act).

(2)

Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999

Section 301 of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 (15 U.S.C. 657b note) is amended by striking Service Core of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program.

(3)

Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008

Section 3(5) of the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008 (15 U.S.C. 636 note) is amended by striking means the SCORE program.

(4)

Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

Section 621 of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (15 U.S.C. 657p) is amended—

(A)

in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

(4)

the term SCORE program means the SCORE program authorized by section 8(b)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B));

; and

(B)

in subsection (b)(4)(A)(iv), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program.

(5)

Energy Policy and Conservation Act

Section 337(d)(2)(A) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6307(d)(2)(A)) is amended by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and inserting SCORE program.

Passed the House of Representatives July 10, 2018.

Karen L. Haas,

Clerk