SCORE for Black Entrepreneurs

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GET INVOLVED

Volunteer with SCORE

Support small businesses in your community. SCORE is looking for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to serve in a variety of roles — from knowledgeable business mentors to local community advocates.

Justyn Pippins

Justyn Pippins,

SCORE Volunteer Mentor

"To be a great leader you first have to be a great follower.  I love how my clients react when they figure out they are not alone in entrepreneurship.  We are building an ecosystem so that all SCORE clients can be successful."

Black Entrepreneurs

Black small business owners and their communities have faced extraordinary challenges over the years. Now, we have an opportunity to do better. With over 50 years of experience, SCORE is renewing our commitment to being part of the solution. We’re here to close the opportunity gap. We’re here to take action. We’re here to give you the tools to meet and overcome any business challenge so that you can succeed.

We spoke with our clients to fully understand the challenges facing Black small business owners today. Before most Black entrepreneurs even open their doors, they face a range of obstacles, from a lack of capital to difficulty accessing government programs—not to mention encountering bias and racism along the way.

"It’s amazing to get two or three SCORE mentors to help you navigate these things so you can grow your business."

– Stevenson Democry, STEAMed Drones

 

There are more than 2 million Black-owned businesses in the United States

There are more than 2 million Black-owned businesses in the United States.

Fundera, 20 Black-Owned Business Statistics for 2021

Black business owners receive less business financing, less often, and at higher rates

Black business owners receive less business financing, less often, and at higher rates.

Fundera, 20 Black-Owned Business Statistics for 2021

Women make up 46 percent of Black entrepreneurs.

Women make up 46 percent of Black entrepreneurs.
Fundera, 20 Black-Owned Business Statistics for 2021

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From Experienced Mentors

SCORE business mentors can help you start, grow, or transition your business. Enter your zip code above to get matched with a business expert near you!

"As a SCORE Volunteer, I know that we help our clients and immediately make a positive impact within our community.  I personally enjoy connecting with clients and helping them come up with solutions and resources that help to complete their goals.  When we help a business, we impact clients' ability to grow, stay in business, take care of their families, and possibly hire other people in the community.  I am proud to be part of this national organization of professionals."

Kat Shepherd,

SCORE Volunteer Mentor

Headshot of SCORE Mentor Kat Shepherd

Black Entrepreneurs Who Turned to SCORE as a Partner in Their Success

With SCORE by your side, you don't have to go it alone. SCORE has helped countless Black entrepreneurs find success in their small businesses. See how SCORE has helped some of the small business owners start and grow their small businesses. Yours could be the next success story!

Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Studio logo

Ursula's About Phace Rittenhouse Studio

"There’s not enough ink in my pen to write about everything that’s great about my mentor, Mr. Mark Maguire. What makes him an exceptional mentor are the qualities he possesses naturally: his willingness to share his genius, skills, knowledge, and expertise - at a level that’s not condescending or confusing - in a concise manner that makes it easy to understand."

View Success Story ►
Puff Cuff

Puff Cuff

"I am incredibly grateful for my first SCORE mentor, Captain Edward M. Davidson. He helped me see that PuffCuff was a viable business and a natural solution for those with curls. He also taught me it was okay to make mistakes; you just have to recover from them and do better next time."

View Success Story ►
Mutts Sauce

Mutts Sauce

"Even though I don't come from a family of entrepreneurs, John made me see it was still possible, and I launched four months after we started working together. Everything that SCORE offered was exactly what I needed to get the business started."

View Success Story ►
Freedom at the Mat

Freedom at the Mat

"Dean counseled me on how to negotiate with my suppliers, including terms and conditions and pricing. He was very critical in helping me set realistic goals and expectations to launch smartly with my limited resources. He also pushed me to create a business plan and helped me stay on top of creating and executing my own marketing plan."

View Success Story ►
STEAMed Drones

STEAMed Drones

"As an entrepreneur, over 50% of the things we run into are things we know nothing about. It’s amazing to get two or three SCORE mentors to help you navigate these things so you can grow your business."

View Success Story ►
Digital with Danielle

Digital with Danielle

"You can do so much more when you get help. My SCORE coach taught me that I can have premium clients. I learned to ignore my initial feelings of ‘imposter syndrome’ because I have more experience in this than others. I have a lot to offer."

View Success Story ►
Helping Individuals Succeed

Helping Individuals Succeed

"No one should be afraid to do something because they don’t know the answer."

View Success Story ►

URSULA'S ABOUT PHACE RITTENHOUSE STUDIO

Small Business Journey

"There’s not enough ink in my pen to write about everything that’s great about my mentor, Mr. Mark Maguire. What makes him an exceptional mentor are the qualities he possesses naturally: his willingness to share his genius, skills, knowledge, and expertise - at a level that’s not condescending or confusing -  in a concise manner that makes it easy to understand."

Check Out Her Journey

Ursula Augustine

Resources for Black Entrepreneurs

Not sure where to begin? Check out these articles and resources for Black entrepreneurs.

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Blog

11 Funding Options for Black-Owned Businesses

Article Language: English
August 15, 2022, Brett Farmiloe

To help Black-owned businesses identify the best funding sources available, we asked CEOs and business leaders this question for their best insights. From the iFundWomen of Color Program to Reign Ventures, there are several options available particularly for Black business owners to secure funding for their businesses. 
Blog

Starting a Black Beauty Business

Article Language: English
August 11, 2022, Rieva Lesonsky

Now that most cities and states have lifted mask mandates and people are returning to their offices, women are buying more cosmetics. They are purchasing 70% more than they did pre-pandemic, according to the “Makeup Attitudes and Usage Report” from The NPD Group.
Blog

10 Ways To Celebrate National Black Business Month

Article Language: English
August 4, 2022, Brett Farmiloe

To help you best support Black-owned businesses, we asked Black business owners and leaders this question for their best recommendations. From promoting Black-owned businesses on social media to providing Black founders with more access to funding, several recommendations may help you offer the best support to Black-owned businesses as you celebrate National Black Business Month.
Article

Mutt's Sauce Small Business Journey

Article Language: English

While serving in the US Air Force, Charlie “Mutt” Ferrell, Jr. was known for his homemade, all-purpose sauce. Decades later, his granddaughter Charlynda founded Mutt’s Sauce to... Read more
Recorded Webinar

Keys to a Successful Black Owned Business Startup

Event Language: English
February 22, 2022, 1:00pm EST

If you're an entrepreneur with a good idea, join our live webinar to learn how to plan your start-up business and succeed in your industry. Read more

View Webinar

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