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SCORE is here to help women small business owners.
Numbering in 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 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.
Mentor Tim Douglas with client Dena Schaffer Krebs of Creations Reimagined
Why Walk Away from Free Expert Business Advice?
SCORE business mentors can help you start, grow, or transition your business. Enter your zip code below to get matched with a business expert near you!
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 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.
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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
Mutt's Sauce Small Business Journey
While serving in the US Air Force, Charlie “Mutt” Ferrell, Jr. was known for his homemade, all-purpose sauce. Decades later, his granddaughter Charlynda founded Mutt’s Sauce to... Read more
Why Women Should Start Small Businesses
Female small business owners have a variety of motivators for starting their business from inspiring other women entrepreneurs to showing others that it is possible to overcome the stigmas associated with women-owned businesses. Read on to see results from a recent survey for women entrepreneurs and women of color in business.
Learning From Women-Owned Small Businesses: 12 Challenges & How to Overcome Them
To help women entrepreneurs and small business owners overcome their challenges, we asked founders and CEOs this question for their best advice.
Overcoming Financial Challenges for Women Business Owners
Unfortunately, 2021 was not a good year for women business owners. Learn more about the challenges women entrepreneurs faced during this time.
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.