The concept of entrepreneurship is a study in risk and reward. SCORE can minimize risk and maximize reward.

Located at 115 E. King St., Lancaster, SCORE Lancaster-Lebanon is a local nonprofit that exists for the sole purpose of helping small businesses succeed. It fulfills its purpose through an interpersonal mentoring approach that is free to the entrepreneur.

"Many people who start a business have never run a business before," said Cathy Bonser, chairperson of the Lancaster-Lebanon chapter of SCORE. "They have an idea that they're passionate about. But they don't know how to pursue the other aspects of the business. Entrepreneurs wear all the hats - human resources, marketing, accounting. It's very demanding, and it asks them to do a lot. In life, we can be successful when we have a mentor, when we have support from the outside."

Typically, entrepreneurs get connected with SCORE Lancaster-Lebanon through its website or a phone call. After answering questions, they are paired with experienced business professionals who serve as mentors, and the mentors and clients develop a professional relationship and a business plan.

"We want to contribute to the vibrancy of the communities we serve," said Bonser. "The small businesses in Lancaster County serve an important purpose. Entrepreneurship is what makes for a strong business climate, especially here in Lancaster and Lebanon. We're not a county driven by large industry; we're a county driven by small business. We can help businesses plan for launch, growth and retirement. We can help businesses no matter where they are in their life cycle."

There are more than 14,000 small businesses in Lancaster County, and SCORE has helped mentor entrepreneurs from all parts of the county. SCORE is made up of 75 volunteers, 66 of whom are active business mentors.

"They're from across Lancaster County and also from Lebanon County," said Bonser of the mentors. "It's a wonderful group of colleagues who have chosen to give back to the community. These are people who are working, and some are recently retired. Our mentors work together. They reach out to each other to co-mentor to best meet our clients' needs."

The variety of businesses that SCORE assists is as diverse as the businesspeople who start them, everything from food trucks to publishing a book to therapists and yoga instructors, from farmers and painters to electricians, home contractors, landscapers and personal care. SCORE has the experience and resources to provide help.

"Entrepreneurship is unique, and it's not for everyone," said Bonser. "It's hard work, and you can't assume. It's very demanding. There are a lot of myths about what entrepreneurship is. You have to be a self-starter, and you've got to be resourceful. You've got to have good health, and you really need to have a supportive family. When entrepreneurs come to us, not all of them are ready to be in business or cut out to be in business."

The Lancaster chapter of SCORE was started in 1965, and in 2015, the Lebanon area was added. Lancaster-Lebanon is one of 230 SCORE chapters across the country.

"The world has changed, but the core part of SCORE is the same," said Bonser. "The way we mentor has changed, but we have access to more resources. At the end of the day, what continues is that mentor role and the guided assistance to individuals."

For additional information about SCORE, go to http://www.score.org/lancaster-lebanon.