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Right now, Black entrepreneurs are facing unique barriers to business success.
At SCORE, we’re working to change that by removing those obstacles and providing Black small business owners with access to personalized support. That’s why we created SCORE for Black Entrepreneurs: to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go.
Black-owned businesses were more likely to seek – but less likely to receive – outside funding.
- The Megaphone Of Main Street: The Impact of Covid-19, Impact on Black-owned Small Businesses
NEW LOANS
- 26.5% of White-owned businesses applied, and 54.2% were approved.
- 47.7% of Black-owned businesses applied, and 22.3% were approved.
DELAYS FOR EXISTING LOAN PAYMENTS
- 19.9% of White-owned businesses applied for delays, and 72.4% were approved.
- 39.8% of Black-owned businesses applied for delays, and 33.6% were approved.
Mentor Tim Douglas with client Dena Schaffer Krebs of Creations Reimagined
Why Walk Away from Free Expert Business Advice?
SCORE business mentors can help you start, grow, or transition your business. Enter your zip code below to get matched with a business expert near you!
SCORE is Here to Help.
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.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses.
Building a small business might seem daunting, but it’s more possible than you think. See how we’ve helped other aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their business goals.
“I can’t adequately express how much of a lifeline SCORE has been to us.”
- Rozalynn Goodwin, GaBBY Bows
"Everything that SCORE offered was exactly what I needed to get the business started."
- Charlynda Scales, Mutt's Sauce
“No one should be afraid to do something because they don’t know the answer.”
- Derschaun Sharpley, Helping Individuals Succeed Agency
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."
- Ursula Augustine, Ursula's About Phace Rittenhouse Studio
Get Mentoring Support.
What if you could sit down with someone who has been in your shoes? As a SCORE client, it’s as easy as that. We have a diverse group of experienced, volunteer mentors available to answer your questions about starting and growing a small business.
Get Involved.
When you volunteer with SCORE, you change individual lives, support small businesses, and empower entire communities. We’re always looking for people to share their time, skills, and knowledge. No matter your background, we have a perfect role for you.
Become a SCORE volunteerLearn What You Need to Know.
We recently 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.
SCORE’s Resource Library includes hundreds of free articles, templates, tools, videos, and checklists to meet any business need. You can sort by entrepreneur type, topic, and business stage to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Get Started
Not sure where to begin? Check out these articles and resources for Black entrepreneurs.
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Live Q&A - Expert Advice and Solutions for Black-Owned Business Challenges
Join our National Black Business Month webinar as we celebrate with a panel of experts dedicated to answering your business questions. Read more
Starting a Black Beauty Business
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.
10 Ways To Celebrate National Black Business Month
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.
Mutt's Sauce Small Business Journey
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
Keys to a Successful Black Owned Business Startup
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
13 Black Business Owners Share Their Secrets To Success
Get tips from Black entrepreneurs on how to succeed in business.
9 Ways To Be An Ally For Black Professionals and Business Owners
Learn how you can best be an ally to Black business owners.
Black Entrepreneurs Face Their Challenges and Feel Optimistic
Discover more about how Black-Owned businesses are doing in the United States.
Small Business Resilience - Tools Small Businesses Use to Remain Resilient
We will look at the impact of COVID and delve into how the pandemic has affected U.S. small businesses and what resources are available to help businesses survive and thrive. Read more
Unlocking the Doors to Access for Black-Owned Businesses - Funders and Founders Share Their Real Life Stories
This discussion with both funders and founders – will share honest conversations on unlocking access and what it takes to unlock and walk through the door. Read more
The Growth of Digital Assets in Black Business America During the Pandemic
The pandemic caused the Black business community to pivot toward the creation of digital assets.
Building Black Business Communities
SCORE mentor Tereance Moore discusses how Black business owners can build and grow the Black business community.