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SCORE is here to help women small business owners.
Numbering at 13M in the U.S., women-owned businesses comprise a vital and growing segment of the economy. This segment employs 9.4M workers, ushers in new innovation, and introduces new products as part of a vibrant U.S. economy. Women entrepreneurs bring a unique perspective and sometimes must break ceilings in traditionally male-dominated industries or roles.
SCORE is here to help you fulfill your business ownership goals and achieve greater success. Along with resources and tools created especially for women entrepreneurs, SCORE offers free and confidential business advice. SCORE mentors, many of them successful women small business owners, are ready to help you achieve your business goals.
Women are leading the way in the business world.
The 2019 State of Women-Owned Business Report by American Express found that the number of women-owned businesses climbed to nearly 13 million, representing 42% of all businesses in the United States. Women-owned businesses employ 9.4 million workers and generate $1.9 trillion in annual revenue.
In 2019, 61% of our clients were women. SCORE is dedicated to helping women owners succeed. SCORE has a diverse volunteer force of qualified business mentors, all skilled and ready to help women entrepreneurs. Once you request a free business mentor, SCORE will match you to a seasoned, experienced business expert.
We understand women-led small businesses and are here to help.
Building a small business might seem daunting, but it’s more possible than you think. See how we’ve helped other aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their business goals.
Vera Bradley
Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller have taken their line of women's luggage, accessories and clothing to major markets around the globe.
Read Success Story
Kiddy Crawler, LLC
Back From Extinction After 40 years -- Stacey Kohler brought the Crawligator back to the market.
Read Success Story
Our Favorite Things Boutique & Event Center
Dr. Lisa R. McGuthry Grandmothers' continued in her grandmother's footsteps to run her own business.
Read Success Story
Sway-Oh, LLC
Shirley Washington starts with an idea that becomes an Amazon “hot new release”.
Read Success Story
Specs4Us
Maria Dellapina has a vision that’s now filling a huge market need for quality eyewear.
Read Success Story
Lori's Original Lemonade
Lori Volk took selling lemonade locally to major stores, cafes, independent markets and restaurants.
Read Success StoryResources for women business leaders.
SCORE has developed a number of resources to address the unique needs of women in the small business community. Browse these resources below then connect with a mentor to get personalized advice for your business.
Rescuing the “Shecession”
Women entrepreneurs and business owners have been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Ingrid Vanderveldt of the SHEconomy Project explains what we can do to reverse this trend. Read more
The Megaphone of Main Street: Women’s Entrepreneurship, Infographic #2: Financing and Female Entrepreneurs
SCORE’s latest infographic shows the financing challenges of female entrepreneurs. This infographic highlights the findings of part 2 of SCORE’s “The Megaphone of Main Street:... Read more
How Female Founders Can Innovate and Disrupt the World of Business
This webinar will provide insights for women who want to innovate and disrupt the world of business – to grow faster, stronger, and soar globally for a better tomorrow. Read more
View WebinarHow to Get Certified as a Minority-Owned Business
In a climate of intense awareness for the fair treatment of all minorities, getting your business officially certified as minority-owned can open important contract opportunities. Read more
Networking for Women Business Leaders
If like many successful women leaders, you’re excited to grow your network, but aren’t sure where to get started, check out these networking resources. Read more
How Women Entrepreneurs Can Win Federal Contracts
The federal government sets aside a certain percentage of contracts for Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) in areas where WOSBs have been under-represented. Read more
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SCORE Minnesota Client Resource Guide
The SCORE Minnesota Client Resource Guide can be used by anyone looking to develop their business plan or improve their business development efforts. Specific areas include what... Read more
Amplifying Diverse Voices: Entrepreneurship for All
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Southern Minnesota. Local volunteers in the area who recognize the power of storytelling are working to amplify the voices of minority and immigrant entrepreneurs. Through a forum called “Entrepreneurship for All” they hope to bring the Albert Lea, Faribault, Mankato and Owatonna community together through stories that promote and inspire mentorship. This effort is presented by SCORE South Central Minnesota Chapter #0710.
WomenVenture
WomenVenture supports women in opening or expanding their businesses through classes, business consulting, and loans. Read more
Information for SCORE Twin Cities Clients
There is a wealth of information available on starting a business in Minnesota. This page is a place to start exploring that information. We aim to give every person the support... Read more
Recipe for: Success – A Women’s Perspective Recap | 2018
13 Tips to Start a Small Business for Women Entrepreneurs
Advice from women business owners on starting a small business.
11 Funding Options for Female Entrepreneurs
Are you a woman entrepreneur looking for funding? Try these 11 resources.
Women Business Owners: Where We Stand Now
For National Women's Small Business Month we look at how Women-Owned businesses are performing.
Retos que la mujer hispana enfrenta al lanzar un negocio y cómo sobrellevarlos
Algunos de los motivos que las impulsan son estos cambios de vida post-pandémicos, a las políticas laborales obsoletas y a proyectos que son apasionantes para ellas, entre otras razones.
Challenges that Hispanic Women Face When Starting Up, and How to Overcome Them
Women, especially Hispanic women, face a certain set of challenges when it comes to opening a small business.
Growing Your Business Globally- Three Fearless Female Founders Share the Keys to Success
Three fearless women entrepreneurs share success growing globally, connecting across languages and entering China – all to help you make the world your business. Read more
How Black Female Entrepreneurs Can Achieve Startup Success in 2021
Black women business owners can find success by defining their MVP, being creative with capital, and drawing on community support.