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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 Partner NEI Teams Up with Startup Space to Create Small Business Recovery Resource Hub
SCORE partner NEI (the New Economy Initiative) has collaborated with Startup Space to launch a page connecting you to critical resources, programs and funding. Sign up to access a digital hub that brings all COVID-19 resources, such as links to grant and loan applications, best practices, and trusted information, under one platform.
Mentor Q&A: 4X4 with David Broner
David Broner is a volunteer mentor with the Southeast Michigan chapter of SCORE. A retired second-generation business owner, David is a longtime, and very active, mentor with SCORE. Here are four questions and four answers (4x4) with one of our longest-serving mentors...
Announcing Our Chapter's New Podcast!
SCORE Serving Southeast Michigan Releases the SCORE Podcast: "Where Small Business Matters"
Client Success Story: Venice Tisdelle of Perazim Studio
My name is Venice Tisdelle, owner and operator of Perazim Studio, a faith-based yoga and fitness studio just opening in Macomb Township, Michigan. And I have had the absolute pleasure of working Gary Bundenthal as my mentor through SCORE of Southeast Michigan.
Minority-Owned Businesses and Access to Capital
Certain types of businesses will be scrutinized more than others in the loan process. Unfortunately, minority owned businesses are often dropped into the "high-risk" category before any real vetting is done.
Episode 21.17 of the SCORE Podcast: Making Lemonade out of Lemons
Co-hosts Tom Nixon and Marc Trail are joined by Beatrice Wolnerman of Bea’s Squeeze and Bea’s Detroit to discuss a unique marketing “gimmick” that turned into a growing beverage brand, shared workspace and merchandising company. Listen to learn her lessons, hear about the importance of mentorship, and incorporate some of Bea’s innovative thinking into your strategic planning and vision.
Family Business Dynamics, with Angela Doa of Orri Corporation
Co-hosts Tom Nixon and Marc Trail are joined by Master SCORE Mentor David Broder and Angela Doa, COO of ORRI Corporation (recently featured as Southeast Michigan Chapter Success Story) to discuss the issues surrounding the generational transition of a thriving family business and how SCORE mentorship can support this process.
Mentor Q&A with Carolyn Wright-Thomas
Carolyn Wright-Thomas is currently a Certified Volunteer Mentor and Ambassador for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with the Southeast Michigan chapter of SCORE. Read our Mentor Q&A with Carolyn to learn what motivates her to give back to the small business community in southeast Michigan.
WATCH: SCORE Client Success Story on WXYZ's "Rebound Detroit"
A client of SCORE of Southeast Michigan, along with her Certified Volunteer Mentor (David Broner), was recently featured on Channel 7 Action News "Rebound Detroit" series, profiling Mikayla Frick's inspiring story of perseverence during times of challenge amidst the pandemic.
Alternative Funding Sources and Values-Based Investing
Making a business investment no longer has to be a people or profit decision, it can be a people and profit opportunity. Angela Barbash of Revalue joins the podcast to share her knowledge on values-based investing and the funding mechanisms that support it. Listen to learn about alternative funding and capital sources that aren’t a rich aunt and uncle nor a traditional bank!
COVID: A Year in Review, and New Funding Opportunities for 2021
Sean Gray, Economic Development Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration meets up with co-hosts Tom Nixon and Marc Trail to discuss the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Discussion also explores positive developments within the SBA business community.