SCORE

SCORE: Empowering Akron and Youngstown Small Businesses

Located at Summit County Building, 175 S Main St Suite 204, Akron, OH 44308, SCORE is a dedicated finance-oriented local business committed to fostering a vibrant small business community through free mentoring, learning, and business development resources. Our mission is to ensure that every person has the support they need to thrive as a small business owner in the Akron and Youngstown areas.

At SCORE, we believe that anyone can start and manage a successful small business. However, we recognize that the journey can be more challenging for some due to diverse backgrounds, different voices, and unique needs. That's why we offer personalized support through our wholly-inclusive platform called SCORE for All. Our vision is to create an environment where every entrepreneur has access to the resources and mentoring they need to succeed.

Since our inception in 1964, SCORE has educated and mentored over 11 million small business owners and entrepreneurs. Our Akron chapter, formed in 1965, comprises 70 counseling professionals with diverse business backgrounds, providing free and confidential services to more than 3,000 clients each year. We offer face-to-face counseling and over 100 business workshops annually, covering a wide range of topics essential for small business growth and sustainability.

We also offer specialized programs such as our free webinar series on Amazon selling success, designed to help new and existing sellers boost their businesses on Amazon. Learn everything from setting up your seller account to advanced growth strategies directly from Amazon experts.

In our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of small businesses, we provide workshops on crucial topics such as online security and the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in small businesses. These workshops are led by experienced professionals like Girish Shah, who has over 25 years of experience in helping clients enhance the effectiveness of their business operations.

SCORE is funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The opinions and recommendations expressed in our programs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

Join us at SCORE and be part of a thriving small business community. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, our diverse team of knowledgeable business mentors and community advocates is here to support you every step of the way.