SCORE: Supply Chain Basics for Small Businesses

This introductory session provides small business owners with a practical understanding of how supply chains work—and how managing them effectively can reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and support business growth. Using relatable examples and simple tools, the course breaks down core supply chain concepts and provides actionable tips tailored to small operations.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

● Define what a supply chain is and why it matters

● Identify key components of their own supply chain

● Understand basic supply chain functions such as procurement, logistics, and inventory management

● Recognize common risks and learn how to mitigate them

● Track essential performance metrics

Topics Covered:

● Introduction to supply chain concepts

● Real-life small business examples

● Supplier management and diversification

● Basic risk management strategies

● Inventory Management

● Key metrics to monitor performance

The Facilitator for this Workshop is SCORE Member Lori Bossmann. Lori is a seasoned retail executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across supply chain, finance, and marketing. As a former Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ace Hardware Corporation, she led major business transformations while supporting over 5,000 stores and helping drive significant growth. Lori brings a practical, results-driven approach to strategic planning, technology integration, and operational efficiency, and she’s passionate about helping businesses build resilient, customer-focused supply chains.