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WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2023 – Black business owners are more likely to seek – but less likely to receive – outside funding than white business owners, according to a survey by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses. To help improve this disparity in resources, Black executives can bring their valuable insights and perspectives to the table as business mentors. This National Black Business Month, SCORE encourages Black executives to consider volunteering their time and expertise to support entrepreneurs and build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Helping small businesses succeed

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2023 – Seventy percent of small business owners are aware of AI tools, but only 40 percent are actively using them, according to a recent webinar hosted by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

“AI is the ultimate leverage for scaling a small business,” said SCORE Fox Valley mentor Paul Ohlson. “If you're not already using it, or at least learning about it so you can use it soon, you're going to fall way behind your competitors and peers." 

How can AI help my small business? 

AI tools such

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2023 – Rural small businesses face a unique set of challenges, but they also have advantages over their urban and suburban counterparts – such as a tendency to be more profitable. 

Entrepreneurial Benefits of a Rural Environment 

Rural businesses tend to operate at a higher profitability margin than urban businesses (56 percent to 53 percent on average), and they are typically comparable in revenue to urban companies, according to a meta-analysis by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses. This means rural entrepreneurs keep more of their business revenue and are

SCORE Bucks County’s recent Women Building Businesses conference drew women entrepreneurs from as far away as Washington D.C., and as close as Bucks County and Philadelphia. In all, 200 women attended what had been an annual event until the pandemic. The fourth edition returned in 2023 following a three-year hiatus.

SCORE Bucks County Chairwoman Linda Zangrilli, who helped organize the event, said attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback following the daylong conference. Held at Parx Casino, the event featured a keynote address from NBC10 anchor Tracy Davidson, as well as

Ten local small businesses were honored this week at the SCORE Washington DC annual Client of the Year awards event. SCORE Washington DC provides free mentoring, resources, and training to anyone looking to start or grow a small business.

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2023 – Think about all the time and resources you have invested in your small business. Imagine that it’s all gone: furniture, equipment, inventory, records, everything. What would you do?

“There will be problems flying at you from all directions,” said SCORE client Mark Debner, whose Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based business DPI Quality Custom Finishes was hit hard by flooding in 2008 and the Midwest derecho of 2020. “You will be making quick decisions while under great pressure.  Do not beat yourself up if you make a few bad mistakes as you recover.”

While you can’t

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2023 – To amplify and celebrate LGBTQIA-owned businesses during Pride Month and all year long, SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, asked LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and allies for their best advice. From providing ongoing monetary support to partnering with firms that support gender equality, here are some top suggestions to support LGBTQIA-owned businesses.  

Support the Entire Community Year-Round  

The most important action someone can take is to support and uplift LGBTQIA-owned small businesses all year long, not just in June for Pride

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2023 – To establish a successful small business, entrepreneurs should focus on what problem their service or product solves, according to SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

Getting started 

Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially if you are the sole proprietor, and writing a business plan might not be the top priority on your to-do list. However, a business plan can do more than just outline action items and financial projections. It also demonstrates that your business should be

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2023 – Six in ten small business owners report increasing wages to hire and retain workers but worry higher costs are "not healthy business-wise," according to new data from SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. To maintain profitability and employee satisfaction, entrepreneurs are finding compensation isn’t the only solution.

SCORE’s Spring 2023 Megaphone of Main Street: Employee Engagement report surveyed more than 1,500 small business owners on employee-related challenges in today’s competitive environment, including the impact and cost

WASHINGTON, May 4, 2023 – Asian-owned businesses make up the largest share of minority-owned employer businesses in the U.S., employing 5.2 million people and generating $841 billion revenue annually, but face surging financial challenges and a need for greater access to capital, according to a meta-analysis by SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and SCORE is celebrating AANHPI entrepreneurs and highlighting the customized resources and mentoring available for those seeking