The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
As the Chair of the Portland, Maine SCORE chapter, Nancy Strojny provides access to an all-encompassing network of more than 13,000 mentors who help foster emerging and existing small businesses solve problems and improve competency as they create companies, jobs and revenue in their communities.
Throughout my career, I would like to think I have made a difference as both a mentor and an agent of change. When I began my journey, few women were stepping forward. It was a time to grow and expand the boundaries, personally and professionally. Our legacy was to shape the path for the next generation of successful business women. Early on, I cultivated my role as a mentor. Empowering others to achieve success was my intention. Building relationships meant seeing the world from another person’s perspective and figuring out how you can help that person thrive. Two years ago I relocated to the great State of Maine and joined the Portland Chapter of SCORE as a volunteer. On behalf of SCORE, I am honored to be named a White House “Champion of Change.”
SCORE volunteers are a network of more than 13,000 trusted, knowledgeable mentors who help emerging and existing small businesses solve problems and improve competency as they create companies, jobs and revenue in their communities. Small business is the growth engine of our economy. SCORE has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs create small businesses and jobs for America.
In Portland SCORE impacts the community by providing services, programs, and resources to small business owners. SCORE is the starting point for new entrepreneurs, as well as existing business clients, seeking guidance. We meet with our clients face to face, online, or on the phone, to create actionable business plans. SCORE provides expertise on financials that matter: such as cash flow, achieving a healthy balance sheet, and improving the bottom line. Our services are free, and we are here “For the Life of Your Business.” Most of our mentoring relationships are measured in years, not months. Many clients have described us as, “a one person Board of Directors.” SCORE certified mentors have owned and operated their own small businesses, or served in management positions for both large and small companies. The key ingredient SCORE mentors bring is real-world business experience you can count on.
Being an entrepreneur is a demanding and exhausting journey. To push your business forward requires you to move beyond your comfort zone and take risks. That’s where SCORE can help. We listen and enable you to focus on your priorities, and sometimes to fail forward. We are the mentors you can trust with your fears and as well as your dreams. My mentoring style is a combination of experience, active listening, tough love, and a can-do attitude. Winning the future for the next generation of entrepreneurs is my mission. The challenge of helping others succeed continues to fuel my own passion and helps build my legacy.
In Maine we collaborate as one big business ecosystem. SCORE regularly networks with other resource providers in our community, such as the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development, and the Women’s Business Center. SCORE is grateful for its role in serving the entrepreneurial community in Maine.
Thank you for the prestigious “Champion of Change” Award.
Nancy Strojny is the Chair of the Portland, Maine Chapter of SCORE, and a member of the SCORE National Advisory Board. SCORE is a nonprofit organization of volunteers who serve as certified mentors to emerging and existing small businesses.
