WASHINGTON – Small businesses employ nearly half (45.9%) of the American workforce, help fuel the national economy and add to the rich fabric of communities nationwide. This National Small Business Month, SCORE – the nation's largest network of free, expert business mentors – is celebrating America's entrepreneurs and the more than 17 million businesses SCORE volunteers have helped to start and grow since 1964.
When Helen Ianniello first became the owner of Stockmen's Drug, a pharmacy in Nebraska that provides health care access to over 200 miles of rural communities, she had no background in business. Working with a SCORE mentor, she learned to navigate the complexities of a multifaceted business, and gained the knowledge and confidence she needed to succeed. "Without SCORE's assistance, I believe that I would still be struggling with a lot of the basics," she said.
Ianniello has achieved significant successes with the help of SCORE, including renewing the company's entire staffing and pharmacy systems, opening a second location, building and technology updates, increased revenue threefold, and brokered a successful 340B collaboration with the local hospital.
One of the most notable successes was winning first place in the nationwide virtual pitch competition SCORE held in honor of its 60th anniversary. This provided her with the funding needed to start a mobile vaccine program. Nicknamed MVP, it allows home bound, low income, and patients without transportation to have access to vaccines they need.
Without SCORE's support, she believes she would still be struggling with many of the foundational aspects of running her business and MVP would still be in the planning stages for years down the road.
Stockmen's Drug is special business because it combines the expertise of Ianniello, a registered nurse, with a community-focused pharmacy. Unlike traditional pharmacies, her approach is deeply rooted in patient care and education. Her business aims to close the gaps in health care access by providing essential healthcare services and unique retail products that the local community cannot find anywhere else.
Stockmen's Drug is one of two pharmacies owned by Ianniello that focuses on patient-centered care and improving access to health care and educational resources. Her business offers a blend of pharmacy services and retail products that are essential for the community.
Her second location, Stockmen's Drug Crawford, is one of the few telepharmacies in the nation. Between the two stores, she is able to provide health care access to over 200 miles of rural communities.
Her dedication to meeting the community's needs, combined with her background in nursing, sets Stockmen's Drug apart as a vital resource for the local population. With the support of her pharmacist, Mike Cookston, Ianniello continues to provide exceptional service and care to her customers.
"Our promise is a quality-driven service, and our focus is to ensure affordable access to the medications you need at a price you will love," said Cookston.
Ianniello said she was inspired to start her business after she noticed a significant gap in patient education and access to health care resources. "I saw an opportunity to make a difference and dove right in."
"When the chance to purchase Stockmen's Drug came up, I realized it was a unique way to advocate for my patients beyond the clinical setting. I had no background in business, pharmacy or accounting, but I was determined to bridge the health care gap led her to take on this challenge."
On May 6 and 7, SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will co-host the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit—a free, two-day online event dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners. The event includes educational webinars on financing, marketing, business planning, artificial intelligence (AI) and more, plus networking opportunities.
