With more than 300 branches and more than 12,000 mentors providing guidance and support across the country, SCORE is a major national partner in helping businesses and communities grow stronger together. It provides local in-person and online workshops and mentoring services for business owners. Some of the topics its mentors specialize in include finance and accounting, marketing and public relations and information technology In addition, its website has extensive tools and templates for small business owners at every stage of development. To find a mentor or workshop near you, visit the SCORE website. As of August 2012, SCORE and Patch are officially working together to make sure communities thrive. To find out how, reach out to this local chapter or contact your local editor.