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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Amazon Seller Success Series 2024

Sponsored by Amazon

Unlock the secrets to Amazon selling success with our free webinar series. Learn everything from setting up your seller account to advanced growth strategies, directly from Amazon experts. Perfect for new & existing sellers aiming to boost their business on Amazon.

Learn More and Register

Two women happily preparing clothing items for shipment in a small business setting.

Hispanic Heritage Month highlights the vital contributions of Hispanic-owned businesses to the economy. It serves as a platform to recognize the achievements and challenges faced by Hispanic entrepreneurs while encouraging support and investment in their growth. Organizations like SCORE play a crucial role by providing resources, mentorship and guidance to help Hispanic businesses thrive. Be sure to check out the Hispanic Entrepreneurs Hub for content and webinars created especially for Hispanic business owners.

SCORE has the resources you need to achieve success, like Chris Rourk, owner of VOLTA Ion. “SCORE played a pivotal role in VOLTA Ion's journey. My SCORE mentor, Mark, guided me through rewriting our business plan during COVID, liaising with banks to secure our first loan and providing invaluable advice through their extensive network of experts.”

View Resources for Hispanic Entrepreneurs

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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

09-17-24 Digital Marketing 101, 201 and 301

If your business depends upon new clients or superb customer service, you need a digital presence. This workshop combines the basics you need to get started, easy ways to step it up a notch, and recommendations if you really want to get serious. This is a very practical, “what you need to do next” presentation, including recommendations on measuring results.

Workshop presenter Neal Linkon retired as the Director of Marketing Operations for Children’s Wisconsin in 2019. His career included work as a consultant and for Fortune 500 companies, with responsibilities ranging from public relations

09-17-24 Transform Your Dream into a Real Startup

Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, do you know what the start-up journey is like? Or what initial steps you need to take?

Simplify Your SEO With AI

In this session, we'll unlock the potential of AI in enhancing your business operations. We'll explore how using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Google Drive can streamline processes and boost productivity. Designed to demystify AI, This session highlights practical applications tailored for small businesses and provides a clear roadmap to initiate your AI journey. Gain insights into integrating AI seamlessly into your daily operations and see firsthand how it can transform the way you work. In this session, we'll show you how to: Integrate AI and in what point of your business systems that

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

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Amazon Seller Success Series 2024

Sponsored by Amazon

Hispanic Heritage Month

SCORE Chicago wins the 2022 Illinois Chapter of the Year Award