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WASHINGTON, March 6, 2024 – Woman-owned businesses in the U.S. increased 21% over the past five years, fueling interest by female founders in small business training, networking and mentoring opportunities that support their success, according to SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This growth is reflected in the increasing number of women seeking guidance for their business ventures – 64% of SCORE clients are women, up from 60% two years prior.
“With 10,000 volunteer mentors and more than 200 chapters across the U.S., SCORE offers women small business
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2024 – SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, named SCORE SE Wisconsin the 2024 Chapter of the Year (COTY) out of more than 200 chapters nationwide for its outstanding support of small businesses through free mentoring, training and resources.
“We are proud to honor SCORE SE Wisconsin as Chapter of the Year in recognition of their embodiment of SCORE’s commitment to serve every entrepreneur, no matter who you are or what business stage you’re in,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston.
With 70 volunteers serving the chapter in 10 counties, S
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 – Black-owned businesses generate more than $183 billion in annual revenue, according to U.S. Census data. To contribute to this ongoing success, SCORE – mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration – encourages Black entrepreneurs to seek out a mentor who can support them on their business journey.
Mentorship boosts business
Entrepreneurs who work with a mentor are five times more likely to start a business – and report higher revenues and increased business growth. When Christopher Gauthier founded
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2024 – Small business grants, which offer access to capital with little to no repayment requirements, are an attractive funding option for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. However, careful research is needed to find the best fit and avoid scams, according to SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses.
Finding and applying for grants
The first step is to identify what types of grants your small business would qualify for. Eligibility will vary based on the requirements of the organization providing the funding. Government agencies are a great
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2024 – Starting a new business is risky, but guidance from an experienced mentor can help. In fact, entrepreneurs who work with a mentor are five times more likely to start a business – and report higher revenues and increased business growth. This National Mentoring Month, SCORE – mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration – encourages entrepreneurs to find a mentor who can support them on their business journey.
“Mentors can have an enormous impact on an entrepreneur’s success,” according to Tracy Shaw, Chair
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2023 – Half of new businesses fail within the first five years, and poor business planning is a contributing factor, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Those first few years are crucial, which is why SCORE – mentors to America’s small businesses – recommends entrepreneurs build their business on the foundation of a strong business plan.
“Creating a business plan is essential for small business owners as it helps outline and set clear goals and objectives for the business,” explains SCORE mentor LaRita South. “It enables owners to anticipate potential challenges
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2023 – More than half of small business owners expect Small Business Saturday to impact their holiday sales significantly this year, according to a recent American Express survey. With Small Business Saturday approaching, now is the perfect time for small business owners to prepare for the holiday rush and encourage customers to shop small. As mentors to America’s small businesses, SCORE offers support through free expert business counseling and online resources – including these top tips to navigate the busy holiday season.
Decide on your schedule
Now’s the time to
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2023 – Just over 1.7 million businesses in the U.S. are owned by veterans, according to the U.S. Census, and contribute substantially to the nation’s economy, generating $1 trillion in revenue. As mentors to America’s small businesses, SCORE provides veteran small business owners with free resources, training and counseling support, whether they are just starting out or they’ve been in business for decades.
“My mentor from SCORE is absolutely amazing. When we got closer to opening, I think he was just as excited as I was,” said SCORE client Sandra Vazquez, veteran and
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2023 – Of the 1.1 million minority-owned employer businesses in the U.S., 99.9% are small businesses. But not all of these businesses are certified as diverse suppliers, despite being eligible. Getting certified as a diverse supplier offers small business owners the opportunity to expand market share, grow their companies, discover new partners, and create new revenue streams, according to SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. To take advantage of these benefits, SCORE encourages diverse supplier certification for those that qualify.
What
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2023 – SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors, as well as new officers for the 2024 fiscal year, as of Oct. 1. For the first time, the executive committee is made up entirely of women.
“I’m pleased to welcome the newest members of the SCORE Board of Directors who join us in our shared mission of fostering small business communities through mentorship and education,” said SCORE Board Chair
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2023 – With over 35,000 food trucks generating $1.5 billion in revenue in the U.S., it’s no surprise when entrepreneurs want to join the industry with a food truck business of their own. But to succeed in a competitive market, entrepreneurs need the right guidance, resources and support. As mentors to America’s small businesses, SCORE is here to help, offering a wide range of services and expertise to aspiring food truck owners.
“No matter how great of a cook you are or how nice of a truck you have, it takes some time to grow your business,” said SCORE client Roger
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2023 – Hispanic-owned businesses contribute $800 billion to the U.S. economy annually, yet nearly a third of Hispanic small business owners cite raising capital as one of their greatest business challenges. As they continue to work toward a better financial future, entrepreneurs can benefit greatly from the help of an experienced mentor. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, SCORE – mentors to America’s small businesses – invites Hispanic executives to consider volunteering as a SCORE mentor.
“A great benefit of volunteering for SCORE is as mentors, we have the
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2023 – SCORE, a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, has named Kat Shepherd of Moreno Valley, Calif. the winner of its 2023 Conductor Field Leadership Award for her outstanding service, dedication and contributions to the nonprofit organization and its mission. SCORE’s network of 10,000+ diverse volunteers provide free, expert mentoring to entrepreneurs in all 50 U.S. states and territories, helping small businesses start, grow and thrive.
An entrepreneur herself with more than 30 years of experience, Shepherd launched her business in
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2023 – Black business owners are more likely to seek – but less likely to receive – outside funding than white business owners, according to a survey by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses. To help improve this disparity in resources, Black executives can bring their valuable insights and perspectives to the table as business mentors. This National Black Business Month, SCORE encourages Black executives to consider volunteering their time and expertise to support entrepreneurs and build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Helping small businesses succeed
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2023 – Seventy percent of small business owners are aware of AI tools, but only 40 percent are actively using them, according to a recent webinar hosted by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“AI is the ultimate leverage for scaling a small business,” said SCORE Fox Valley mentor Paul Ohlson. “If you're not already using it, or at least learning about it so you can use it soon, you're going to fall way behind your competitors and peers."
How can AI help my small business?
AI tools such
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2023 – Rural small businesses face a unique set of challenges, but they also have advantages over their urban and suburban counterparts – such as a tendency to be more profitable.
Entrepreneurial Benefits of a Rural Environment
Rural businesses tend to operate at a higher profitability margin than urban businesses (56 percent to 53 percent on average), and they are typically comparable in revenue to urban companies, according to a meta-analysis by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses. This means rural entrepreneurs keep more of their business revenue and are
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2023 – Think about all the time and resources you have invested in your small business. Imagine that it’s all gone: furniture, equipment, inventory, records, everything. What would you do?
“There will be problems flying at you from all directions,” said SCORE client Mark Debner, whose Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based business DPI Quality Custom Finishes was hit hard by flooding in 2008 and the Midwest derecho of 2020. “You will be making quick decisions while under great pressure. Do not beat yourself up if you make a few bad mistakes as you recover.”
While you can’t
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2023 – To amplify and celebrate LGBTQIA-owned businesses during Pride Month and all year long, SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, asked LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and allies for their best advice. From providing ongoing monetary support to partnering with firms that support gender equality, here are some top suggestions to support LGBTQIA-owned businesses.
Support the Entire Community Year-Round
The most important action someone can take is to support and uplift LGBTQIA-owned small businesses all year long, not just in June for Pride
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2023 – To establish a successful small business, entrepreneurs should focus on what problem their service or product solves, according to SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Getting started
Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially if you are the sole proprietor, and writing a business plan might not be the top priority on your to-do list. However, a business plan can do more than just outline action items and financial projections. It also demonstrates that your business should be
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2023 – Six in ten small business owners report increasing wages to hire and retain workers but worry higher costs are "not healthy business-wise," according to new data from SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. To maintain profitability and employee satisfaction, entrepreneurs are finding compensation isn’t the only solution.
SCORE’s Spring 2023 Megaphone of Main Street: Employee Engagement report surveyed more than 1,500 small business owners on employee-related challenges in today’s competitive environment, including the impact and cost
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2023 – Asian-owned businesses make up the largest share of minority-owned employer businesses in the U.S., employing 5.2 million people and generating $841 billion revenue annually, but face surging financial challenges and a need for greater access to capital, according to a meta-analysis by SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and SCORE is celebrating AANHPI entrepreneurs and highlighting the customized resources and mentoring available for those seeking
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2023 – Small business owners are facing a “nightmare” scenario in finding, hiring and retaining employees, according to new survey data from SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SCORE’s Spring 2023 Megaphone of Main Street: Employee Engagement report surveyed more than 1,500 small business owners on employee-related issues, including hiring and retention, and the impact on their businesses. Two of their top three concerns are hiring the right talent (60.7%) and retaining and motivating employees
WASHINGTON, April 18, 2023 – SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses, will co-host the 2023 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit with the U.S. Small Business Administration on May 2-3. The free, two-day online event will celebrate the hard-earned success of small businesses throughout the country, while also sharing best practices for utilizing technology and other tools to facilitate growth.
“SCORE is proud to honor the accomplishments of America’s entrepreneurs and join the SBA in hosting the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit. We invite all entrepreneurs to
WASHINGTON, April 5, 2023 – The American small business community received 4.65 million hours of free, confidential, expert advice last year from volunteers with SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This National Volunteer Month, SCORE is celebrating its dedicated corps of 10,000+ diverse volunteers serving entrepreneurs in all 50 U.S. states and territories, and their indelible impact locally and to the national economy.
In 2022 alone, SCORE volunteers:
- Supported the launch of 30,453 new small
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2023 – Two-thirds of small business owners say they could benefit from outside financing, yet many of them either do not apply or do not qualify, according to SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. One of the factors that prevents small businesses from seeking or obtaining financing is poor credit history.
“A poor credit history can hold you back when pursuing funding for your small business,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. “SCORE can help entrepreneurs understand what is in a credit report
WASHINGTON, March 1, 2023 – Woman-owned businesses in the U.S. top 12 million and generate $2.1 trillion in receipts annually, with female founders representing 22.4% of all small business owners, according to SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This Women’s History Month, SCORE celebrates women entrepreneurs and their indelible impact on the U.S. economy.
“Throughout history, women have overcome obstacles on the road to business success through grit, innovation and tenacity to achieve their dreams. SCORE is proud
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2023 – SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced today that SCORE Broward (Fla.) is the 2023 national winner of Chapter of the Year (COTY).
SCORE Broward was selected from nearly 230 chapters nationwide for outstanding service to local small businesses, resulting in the creation of 419 new businesses and 1,773 new jobs in one year across Florida’s Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Broward County communities.
Through its dedicated network of 75 volunteers, the chapter offers free and
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2023 – Black entrepreneurship is on the rise, benefitting both local communities and the U.S. economy, according to SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This Black History Month, SCORE is celebrating America’s more than two million Black-owned small businesses and offering support and resources to Black entrepreneurs who want to launch or grow a business.
“As new small business applications continue at a record-setting pace, Black business owners are thriving, but face unique challenges no matter what their business stage. SCORE is here to
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2023 – This National Mentoring Month, entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of mentoring to launch their businesses to new levels of success. Entrepreneurs who work with a mentor are five times more likely to start a business – and report higher revenues and increased business growth – according to SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors.
Mentoring: From Startup to Shark Tank
Ten years ago, Dakota and Garret Porter were teenagers when they turned to SCORE to shape
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2022 - Owning and operating a successful small business is challenging in the best of times, but entrepreneurs who have business plans are twice as likely to obtain capital and are more likely to grow, according to SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“December is a great time for business planning – not just for new businesses but for existing businesses – so you can start fresh for the new year,” explains SCORE mentor Laura Rogers. As a banker and regional credit manager, Rogers notes that in
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2022 – Small businesses are the heart of every community, providing local jobs, boosting local economies and creating two-thirds of net new jobs across the United States, according to SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. To support local entrepreneurs, SCORE is calling on consumers to shop small this Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26 and all year long.
"Small Business Saturday is economic patriotism at its best - a day when buying gifts for your loved ones or visiting a locally-owned restaurant supports jobs and builds thriving communities
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2022 – Veteran-owned small businesses are now receiving extra support and resources via SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. SCORE’s Small Business Hub for Veterans helps veteran entrepreneurs translate military skills into business success by navigating challenges and accessing a wealth of resources, combined with free mentoring support. SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Veteran business owners make up a vital part of our nation's economy, representing 9.1% of all U.S businesses, generating $1
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2022 – Formerly incarcerated individuals are 45% more likely to become entrepreneurs versus those without a criminal record but face greater challenges on the path to business success, according to a meta-analysis from SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The U.S. leads the world with the largest percent of its overall population in prison, with 2.2 million incarcerated individuals. For the 600,000 returning people released each year, finding employment can be difficult: the unemployment rate is
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2022 -- SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors, as well as new officers for the fiscal year, as of Oct. 1.
“It’s my pleasure to welcome these five accomplished professionals to the SCORE Board of Directors as we pursue SCORE’s mission of fostering more vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education,” said SCORE Association Board Chair Tracy Shaw. “Last year, SCORE’s
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2022 – Rural entrepreneurs are struggling to access capital, high-speed internet, and quality workers, according to new survey data from SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SCORE's Fall 2022 Megaphone of Main Street: The Small Business Rural/Urban Divide surveyed more than 3,000 entrepreneurs and discovered that population shifts away from rural areas are challenging small business owners in desperate need of reliable talent and technology. Specifically:
Rural business owners report higher
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2022 – Over the past 10 years, Hispanic entrepreneurs have continued to start small businesses at a faster rate of 44%, compared to 4% of their non-Hispanic counterparts, according to a meta-analysis from SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
There are nearly five million Hispanic-owned businesses throughout the country, and they contribute more than $800 billion to the American economy each year, according to SCORE’s analysis. Not only that, Hispanic small businesses employ about three million
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2022 – Rural small businesses face greater challenges to economic recovery and are less optimistic about the future compared to their non-rural counterparts, according to new survey data from SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses.
SCORE's Fall 2022 Megaphone of Main Street: The Small Business Rural/Urban Divide surveyed more than 3,000 entrepreneurs and found that while more than 75% of small businesses surveyed have returned to pre-pandemic levels or better, more than half (53%) of rural entrepreneurs say they feel somewhat or extremely negative about the
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2022 – Entrepreneurs nationwide are competing this summer to gain national exposure and product placement at major retailers through the ‘Perfect Pitch’, sponsored by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses, and the MagicMakers Group (MMG), a collective of former Disney executives and experts.
‘Perfect Pitch’ participants have the chance to be featured on the TV program America’s Big Deal to pitch their products to home viewers. At the end of each episode, the contestant with the highest sales gets the chance to strike a deal with either Lowe’s, Macy’s or QVC/HSN
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2022 - Small business owners continue to face challenges surrounding inflation, hiring, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, according to recent SCORE data. In the wake of these obstacles, SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, offers support and guidance to navigate economic issues.
SCORE provides small business owners a plethora of resources to guide them through these challenging times, including:
The Small Business Resilience Hub is a centralized
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2022 – SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration has launched SCORE for Rural Entrepreneurs. This centralized hub provides rural small business owners with information, tools and personalized support to start and grow their business.
Small businesses in rural areas have declined by 33% over the past 10 years, and still face struggles including declining populations, funding challenges and limited broadband access, according to a recent meta-analysis from SCORE. In fact, 39% of the U.S. rural population
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2022 – During Pride Month, SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, is honoring the 1.4 million LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs throughout the country.
LGBTQ+ small businesses contribute $1.7 trillion to the American economy each year, according to a SCORE meta-analysis. In addition, the LGBTQ+ community holds an estimated purchasing power of $917 billion dollars in the U.S.
“LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs play a vital role in the small business community,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. “We want the LGBTQ+ community
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2022 – Small businesses with less than 50 employees provide 42% of all jobs in rural America, according to a meta-analysis from SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Small businesses contribute significantly to the health of rural economies but face a number of challenges, according to SCORE’s analysis, including:
Declining population
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Rural America recently faced its first-ever decade-long population decrease of nearly 300,000 people between 2010 and 2020. For small business owners, the
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2022 – Most small business owners (62.7%) report lower profits than expected over the past six months due to declining sales and higher expenses as inflationary pressures rise, according to new survey data from SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SCORE’s Spring 2022 Megaphone of Main Street: Inflation & the Economy report surveyed more than 1,000 small businesses on the current state of inflation; how turbulent economic factors have affected profitability, and what they have done to protect their
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2022 – In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, has launched SCORE for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Entrepreneurs. This centralized hub provides the AAPI community with information, tools and support to start and grow successful small businesses.
SCORE saw a 60% increase in mentoring requests for the AAPI small business community in 2021 over the previous year. As a result, SCORE mentors provided more than
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2022 -- SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses, is co-hosting the 2022 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, "Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship," with the U.S. Small Business Administration from May 2-5.
This year's Virtual Summit will celebrate and honor the resiliency of entrepreneurs throughout the country who are doing their part to power the nation's historic economic comeback.
The free, four-day event will provide small business owners access to federal resources, educational workshops, online business tools and the opportunity
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2022 – Nearly one in three (30.5%) business owners report feeling extremely worried about inflation and rank it as a top business concern and another 62.5% say they are generally concerned about inflation and are keeping an eye on rising prices, according to new survey data from SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SCORE’s Spring 2022 Megaphone of Main Street: Inflation & the Economy report surveyed more than 1,000 small business owners on how they felt about the current economy and inflation
WASHINGTON, April 5, 2022 – SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, is celebrating the impact of its 10,000 volunteers during National Volunteer Month. SCORE’s volunteers provide business mentoring and education in 1,500 communities nationwide, empowering local entrepreneurs, creating jobs and growing the American economy.
New impact data shows that in 2021 alone, SCORE volunteers:
- Donated 4,580,420 hours
- Helped create 25,084 new businesses, 71,475 non-owner jobs and 96,559 total jobs
- Provided clients with 326,617
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2022 – Two years into the pandemic, more than half of small businesses report being in fair or poor financial condition according to a meta-analysis performed by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Most small businesses have not applied for loans, even though 54% of entrepreneurs who didn’t apply for loans needed funds. Of the small business owners who did apply for outside financing, 63% used those funds to meet basic needs such as wages, rent and inventory costs, rather than to grow their