Starting a new business, particularly during difficult economic times, can be a challenging undertaking. However, one scheme is offering budding tycoons help and advice from some seasoned veterans.

The Service Corps of Retired Executives, or Score network, is a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration that provides guidance on financing options, business planning, marketing, product development and other issues, DL Online stated.

Perhaps best of all, this network is free to use and the advice comes from former business owners who know commerce inside out.

Some 10,500 volunteers work for the Score network in all, through 389 chapters covering the entire nation. With more than 600 business skills between them, Score's advisers have the capacity to deal with almost any issue related to establishing or expanding an enterprise.

Since its foundation in 1964, the Score network has assisted some 8 million businesses. Among them is the Jelly Belly candy company, which was one of Score's first clients.

With the network's help, it developed from a modestly performing California confectioner to a worldwide concern producing over 34 million pounds of candy each year, including more than 50 varieties of its "gourmet" jelly beans.