SCORE Northern Michigan

Antrim - Benzie - Grand Traverse - Leelanau - Kalkaska

Welcome to SCORE Northern Michigan! We're your go-to for business mentoring and support. Our team of 30+ successful professionals and entrepreneurs is here to help you achieve your small business goals. Our services are free because we believe in supporting entrepreneurs like you. Explore resources, attend workshops, or connect with a business mentor. Take the first step towards small business success with SCORE today!

Find Your Mentor

Success Stories

Blessed Be Tea

Blessed Be Tea blossomed into a thriving business with SCORE Traverse City’s support, blending passion, purpose, and mentorship into every cup.

A long haired dark blonde man with a white button up sitting next to a white sewing machine

Nykamping

NYKamping turned a love for the outdoors into a growing business with SCORE Traverse City’s guidance, offering unique gear for camping enthusiasts.

a man wearing overalls and a hat with a grey beard and a lady with a hat and smiling

Salt2Sugar

Salt2Sugar turned passion into profit with SCORE Traverse City’s guidance, launching a flavorful venture that blends creativity and community.

Neuco Seating

Neuco Seating scaled its custom seating solutions with SCORE Traverse City’s mentorship, transforming design ideas into a growing manufacturing success.

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Think Locker - More Than Just Flash Cards

Think Locker reimagined learning tools with SCORE Traverse City’s mentorship, transforming flashcards into an innovative educational resource.

Northbound Physical Therapy and Wellness

Burned out and looking for a change, SCORE Mentors Jan Carrick and Donna Probes help Dr. Aubrey Jabour and Northbound Physical Therapy and Wellness find new life as a healthcare provider.

Wheels on Rails

After braving adversity and a push from SCORE, Macie Keffer and Wheel on Rails are on track to business success.

Harwood Gold

SCORE mentors Jeff Hamilton and David Summers provide support to a family business of more than 100 years as they look to grow while expanding their line of Maple Syrup products.

Cultured Kombucha Co.

From marketing to finance, SCORE has assisted Cultured Kombucha in becoming the Midwest's fastest-growing and most in-demand kombucha.

White Bison Native Art

Learn how White Bison Native Art worked together with SCORE to succeed in their community!

Action Glow

ActionGlow is a fully patented aftermarket LED lighting system for sporting equipment. It allows the rider to express their personal style, while also adding an element of safety.

SCORE Northern Michigan Partners

Dennis Gartland and Niergarth, Certified Public Accountants

415 Munson Ave.

Traverse City, MI 49686

Jim Taylor, CPA

(231) 946-1722

Fifth Third Bank

102 West Front Street

Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 995-4500

4 Front Credit Union

101 North Park Street

Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 929-2000

Honor Bank

2254 Henry St.

Honor, MI 49640

(877) 325-8031

Huntington Bank

427 West Front Street

Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 922-5736

Idea Stream

Marketing, Design, PR

Traverse City, MI 49686

(231) 933-6635

Intrust CPA

732 Hannah Avenue

Traverse City, MI 49686

Jon Sluis, President

(231) 935-1590

MSUFSU

3752 N US 31 South

Traverse City, MI 49684

Nicolet Bank

3530 North Country Drive

Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 929-5600

Northwestern Michigan College

1701 E. Front Street

Traverse City, MI 49686

Jason Slade, VP of Strategic Initiatives

231-995-1023

Traverse Area District Library

610 Woodmere Ave

Traverse City, MI 49686

231-932-8500

TBACU

630 East Front Street

Traverse City, MI 49686

Chris Milliron, Chief Lending Officer

(231) 946-7090

Traverse Connect

202 East Grandview Parkway

Traverse City, MI 49684

231-947-5075

20 Fathoms

Bayview Professional Cte.

10850 E Traverse Hwy Ste 4400

Traverse City, MI 49684

231-938-6519

Michigan SBDC 1-833-522-0025

Northern Michigan Woman

A Community for Women and by Women

Venture North

202 E. Grandview Parkway
Suite 202

Traverse City, MI 49684

231-995-7115

Ask The Expert

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Ask the Expert - Finding Clarity Amid Economic Noise

With each passing news cycle, it can feel like we’re spiraling further into economic uncertainty. At the same time, we live in one of the most resource-rich, opportunity-filled periods in human history. So how does a business owner cut through the conflicting noise and chart a confident, forward-looking course?

brunette caucasian lady wearing a business attire with a brown backdrop

Ask the Expert - How do small and startup businesses best position themselves for tax advantages

Northern Michigan businesses are no strangers to the ebb and flow that comes with seasonal changes. Whether your busiest months coincide with summer tourism, fall harvests, or winter recreation, having a plan in place to manage slower periods can make a big difference in long-term stability.

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Ask the Expert - How do small and startup businesses best position themselves for tax advantages

When making significant business decisions, communicating with your legal and financial advisors—such as an attorney or CPA—before taking action is crucial. This proactive approach allows your advisors to help structure your choices to optimize benefits, minimize risks, and align with your current needs and long-term goals.

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Ask the Expert - Is It Time To Give Your Banker a Call?

With summer upon us, it is a great time to check in with your banker and update him or her on the 2024 results and your plans for 2025! Although tax returns may not be available yet, you probably have the year-end balance sheets and income statements, and you can be sure your trusted banker would be happy to take you to lunch and review the latest results.

Why share your results? Keeping your banker informed about how your business is doing allows them to step in and help if needed and will enable them to plan out approvals for anything coming up in 2025. It also allows them to talk about an

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Ask the Expert - Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses

Discover actionable marketing tips from SCORE Traverse City’s expert blog to help your small business attract customers and grow with confidence.

Upcoming Events

Join SCORE Northern Michigan’s free/low-cost online or in-person workshops led by industry experts—gain practical insights, tools and resources to grow your business. Browse all workshops

04-14-26 -Session 2 - Your Website Is Not a Brochure: Build a Site That Converts

Session 2: Your Website Is Not a Brochure: Build a Site That Converts …and yes, we’ll talk branding and personal branding too

How to Actually Grow Your Business - Build a 12-Month Growth Plan

Learn how to choose the right growth strategy for your business and build a focused 12-month plan.

04-14-26 - Three Presentations You Need to Build Your Brand

Thought leadership drives buying decisions and public speaking amplifies your brand faster than social posts. This session breaks

Female entrepreneur sitting at desk smiling.

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

Business Owner and SCORE Mentor working together at desk

Small Business Resource Hubs

SCORE empowers all entrepreneurs to succeed.

We believe that anyone can start a small business with the right support. We also know that the path to success may vary based on where you are in your business journey.

SCORE is here to help with curated resources for all entrepreneurs.

Visit Small Business Resource Hubs