INTRODUCING SCORE IOWA

DES MOINES, Iowa —October 1, 2026— SCORE Iowa will officially begin serving the entire state as a unified organization October 1, 2026. Bringing Iowa's existing SCORE chapters together into one statewide organization strengthens SCORE's ability to serve entrepreneurs and small businesses across all 99 counties of Iowa as well as metro areas in some adjoining states.

For more than 60 years, SCORE has provided free, confidential, expert business mentoring and educational resources to people starting, managing and growing businesses. SCORE volunteers bring experience from a wide range of industries, professions and business disciplines and work one-on-one with entrepreneurs at every stage of business development—from dreamers with an idea to established small businesses.

“Bringing our Iowa chapters together allows us to make better use of the experience, knowledge and resources already available within SCORE,” said Julie Bundy, SCORE Iowa District Director. “SCORE Iowa gives us the opportunity to connect entrepreneurs anywhere in the state with mentors whose experience best matches what they need.”

The transition reflects the changing ways businesses operate and entrepreneurs seek assistance. Technology increasingly allows SCORE mentors and clients to work together regardless of location, expanding access to specialized experience while maintaining SCORE's commitment to free, personal, expert, one-to-one business mentoring.

Christy Jones, founder of Clarity Business Coaching in Des Moines, has been named Co-Chair of SCORE Iowa and brings experience in team management, profitability and business growth. Joye Chizek has also been named Co-Chair and is a marketing communications professional.

“Our goal is to make more of SCORE’s resources available to Iowans across the state,” Jones said. “By working together statewide, we can share expertise and educational resources and make it easier for entrepreneurs to find the help they need.”
“Small businesses do not all need the same kind of help,” Chizek said. “A statewide SCORE Iowa gives us a stronger way to connect entrepreneurs with the right mentor, the right experience and the right resources, whether they are in Iowa’s rural or metro areas.”

SCORE Iowa will serve entrepreneurs across the state—from Iowa’s largest communities to its rural areas—while strengthening relationships with chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, lenders, educational institutions and others working together to support and grow Iowa’s business ecosystem.

About SCORE   Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 20 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 7,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. For more information about starting or operating a small business, visit SCORE Iowa at http://score.org/ia