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During the month of February, SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, is celebrating and honoring the achievements of Black-owned small businesses as COVID-19 challenges continue.

A recent Digital.com survey reports 43% of Americans plan to start a business in 2022, and the Grand Forks region is no exception. SCORE Grand Forks highlights that they're seeing an increase in new clients and request for mentors.

This article features SCORE client Acissa Chamia and discusses how Chamia was one of four Black women entrepreneurs to undergo an eight-week workshop from SCORE Quad-Cities and pitch her business Shark Tank-style to compete for available funds. Article also highlights SCORE District Director Thomas Trone -- Trone discusses how this program was the first of its kind for any chapter of SCORE, and he hoped the pilot program would grow to include more entrepreneurs from underserved populations in the Quad-Cities.

SCORE client Chelsea Kidd discusses why she decided to pursue full time entrepreneurship and how she created her business with the help of SCORE. SCORE CEO Bridget Weston insight is also mentioned in the story as to why some people have decided to go into business for themselves.

In a recent interview, SCORE client Colleen Koziara shared many insights about her entrepreneurial experience and how her SCORE North Cook and Lake County mentors, Karen Spesard, Chris Banakis and Arnold Goldberg, assisted in developing her business, Beyond Bingo, a "Multi-Dimensional Whole Life Wellness Program" designed to support seniors in maintaining their independence.

This Forbes article uses SCORE data on SMEs donating 250% more to nonprofits and community causes than larger companies, and 75% of small-business owners donate an average of 6% annually.

In this article, SCORE is highlighted as an essential resource for anyone looking to start their own business.

SCORE mentor Frank LaMonaca weighs in on how to prepare your business finances now incase of a natural disaster.

SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, is celebrating National Mentoring Month by highlighting the significant impact SCORE's 10,000 volunteers have on small businesses throughout the nation.

This piece highlights SCORE resources as they analyze Solo 401(k) vs SEP IRA.

SCORE client Miranda Davis' journey to start her business comes after surviving a brutal attack that almost killed her, struggling with bulimia for years, and living through the suicides of both her father and best friend. Instead of letting those traumatic events get the best of her, she worked with SCORE Green Bay to start her business, L.U.V. , which sells clothing and accessories that are statements of positive affirmation.

Culinary school graduate Ben Wallace wants to bring freshly baked bread and sweets to Nickerson. Currently, he is working out of his home, whipping together chocolate cookies and croissants - and is working with SCORE to bring his business to downtown Nickerson.