SCORE Chicago

Serving 9 locations in Cook County

Our Mentors are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business professionals start, develop, and grow businesses. We offer free and confidential mentoring along with low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools.

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Business Plan Series Recorded Webinars

This webinar series covers the key elements of creating an effective business plan. Over multiple recorded sessions, experienced entrepreneurs and business experts guide viewers through 6 parts of a strategic plan. The series is designed for both new entrepreneurs and established business owners looking to refine their strategies.

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Veteran's Small Business Month celebrates the resilience and contributions of veteran-owned businesses in our communities. This month highlights the achievements and unique challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs, encouraging support and investment in their continued success. SCORE is dedicated to helping veterans thrive by offering mentorship, resources, and guidance to support veteran-owned businesses. Explore our Veteran Entrepreneurs Hub for resources and webinars tailored to the needs of veterans in business.

With SCORE’s support, veteran entrepreneurs like Jackson Dalton, owner of Black Box Safety, have been able to make a difference. "My Mentor, Joe, provided a thorough review of my business plan and encouraged me. He helped me identify gaps and held me accountable for my business plan. Joe was someone who I could check in with in order to keep me on track. There’s nothing to think about. The sooner you reach out to SCORE the better."

View Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs

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Female carpenter working on project in workshop with her head down

SCORE for All

We believe that anyone can start and manage a successful small business. We also know that the road is harder for some than for others. Diverse backgrounds, different voices and unique needs may call for specialized resources and mentoring approaches. SCORE is listening, recognizes these diverse needs, and provides personalized support in a wholly-inclusive platform called SCORE for All.

Visit SCORE for All

Karen Foley, Executive Director, Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition; Todd Snovel, Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition Board Member; Larry Keating, and Bob Thomas, SCORE volunteer mentors.

Impact Your Community

Since 1964, SCORE has educated and mentored more than 11 million small business owners and entrepreneurs. We're looking for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to serve in a variety of roles — from knowledgeable business mentors to local community advocates.

Become a Volunteer

Upcoming Events

12-02-24 - AI And NonProfits - Fad Or Game Changer

AI And NonProfits - Fad Or Game Changer

12-3-24 Develop An Effective Business Plan

Learn how to develop an effective business plan.

Learn the Basics of Google Ads

In this workshop, you will learn how to reach more customers and grow you business with Google Ads.

In this session, we'll talk about:

How to create an account and set up an ad campaign
How to write great ads, define key words, and include ad extensions
How to measure success

Presented by Maria Elena of KLI brands.

SCORE Chicago wins the 2022 Illinois Chapter of the Year Award

SCORE Chicago wins the 2022 Illinois Chapter of the Year Award. Our chapter's excellence is a reflection of our volunteers and the clients we've served. Our volunteers have worked exceptionally hard through a difficult year and persevered to provide valuable mentoring and educational opportunities to clients facing unprecedented challenges.

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Illinois Chapter of the Year Award for 2022

Veteran's Month