Welcome Women Entrepreneurs!
While SCORE has resources for all entrepreneurs, we are also determined to help women business owners succeed with these specialized resources.
Women are leading the way in the business world.
The 2019 State of Women-Owned Business Report found that the number of women-owned businesses climbed to nearly 13 million, representing 42% of all businesses in the United States. Women-owned businesses employ 9.4 million workers and generate $1.9 trillion in annual revenue.
SCORE is dedicated to helping women business owners succeed.
In fact, 61% of our clients in 2019 were women. Some clients include Vera Bradley, the Crawligator, featured on ABC News with David Muir, and GaBBY Bows, sold in Target stores nationwide.
We’ve filled this resource center with tips, guides and success stories to help women address their needs and challenges.
It's time to start your dream business!
SCORE has developed the Startup Roadmap, a comprehensive step-by-step experience that takes you from idea and inspiration to business planning and opening your doors.
Even if you have never established a new business before, the Startup Roadmap makes it easy for you to complete each step with clear guidance, tools and templates, and business resources.
Whether you’re already a female business owner or dreaming of opening day, the Startup Roadmap and your SCORE mentor will get you there, step-by-step.
Mentoring Can Help!
Small business clients who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth.
Meet some of SCORE's success stories!
Vera Bradley
The Vera Bradley team contacted Ft. Wayne SCORE and were matched with volunteer mentor George Cook.
Specs4Us
Volunteer mentors Jon Slaybaugh and Richard Coyne have assisted Dellapina throughout the growth of her company.
Lori's Original Lemonade
Volk says SCORE mentors Joe Hausenbauer and Robert Tongen have been instrumental in guiding her through the process of funding her first production runs.
Top resources for female business owners
Networking for Women Business Leaders
If like many successful women leaders, you’re excited to grow your network, but aren’t sure where to get started, check out these networking resources. Read more
15 Essential Sites for Women Business Owners
Here are 15 of Rieva Lesonsky’s favorite online resources for women entrepreneurs. Read more
Best Small Business Financing Options for Women Entrepreneurs
From loans to grants, here are the best small business financing options available to women entrepreneurs today. Read more
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Challenges Facing Women Entrepreneurs
Which Legal Entity?
How to Start a Business in Santa Barbara
This business resource guide will cover many different aspects of starting a company here in town and will help you think about many of the questions one should ask before opening Read more
The State of Women Entrepreneurs
How are women business owners faring these days? Read Rieva’s blog on the latest research about women entrepreneurs around the world.
SCORE Profiles Successful Women in Business for Women’s History Month
Here we profile 4 successful women business owners. We also share resources to help navigate the challenges of running a company as a woman.
Networking for Women Business Leaders
If like many successful women leaders, you’re excited to grow your network, but aren’t sure where to get started, check out these networking resources.
How Women Entrepreneurs Can Win Federal Contracts
The federal government sets aside a certain percentage of contracts for Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) in areas where WOSBs have been under-represented.
The New Generation of Business Owners is Here
Let's explore the driving factors—generational changes, more women / minorities, veterans becoming entrepreneurs—and what they mean for the future of business. Read more