Thinking about starting or scaling your small business? It’s time to make yourself familiar with SCORE Cleveland—Northeast Ohio’s go‑to for free, expert business mentoring and education. As a national nonprofit and official U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resource partner, SCORE empowers entrepreneurs through access to over 10,000 volunteer mentors nationwide—all without membership fees or hidden costs!
What Is SCORE?
Founded in 1964 as the Service Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE offers confidential, one-on-one coaching from experienced business pros. These mentors come from backgrounds in marketing, finance, HR, operations, legal, retail, manufacturing, and more. They’re typically retired executives or seasoned entrepreneurs who volunteer their time to guide small business owners through real‑world challenges because they know the value and power of learning from others who have been there, done that, and learned a few life lessons along the way.
Services SCORE Cleveland Offers
SCORE Cleveland offers a one-stop shop for all the help and guidance a small business owner could possibly need. The services and opportunities they provide are designed to empower small business owners to launch, strengthen, and grow their businesses in order to find personal success and enhance the city’s economic possibilities.
One‑on‑One Mentorship
Whether you’re refining your business concept, trying to tackle cash‑flow issues, or preparing for expansion, SCORE Cleveland pairs you with a mentor who understands your industry and goals. Sessions are free, personalized, and available in person, by phone, video, or email—whatever works best for your schedule.
Local Workshops & Webinars
From legal contracts and cash‑flow management to digital marketing, social media selling, pricing strategy, and AI‑enhanced marketing—SCORE hosts both low‑cost and free training tailored for small business needs. Many are available live and via an online archive, so you can learn at your own pace!
Business Tools & Templates
Grab SCORE Cleveland’s curated tools—business plan and financial statement templates, projections calculators, checklists, e‑guides, and more—to streamline planning and decision making at every stage of your business.
Community & Underserved Outreach
With its Community Navigator Pilot Program, SCORE Cleveland partners with local leaders to provide mentoring in underserved areas such as East Cleveland, Slavic Village, and Metro West. This initiative supports diverse entrepreneurs, revitalizes commercial corridors, and fosters inclusive economic growth
Why Small Business Owners Should Use SCORE Cleveland
For small business owners in Northeast Ohio, SCORE Cleveland is more than a free service—it’s a launchpad. With access to seasoned mentors, practical education, customizable tools, and a community committed to local growth, SCORE Cleveland offers exactly what entrepreneurs need—real support for real growth.
Free and Trustworthy Advice.
You won’t find fine print or fees here. SCORE’s mentors donate their time and provide objective guidance, helping you avoid common pitfalls—no strings attached
Local, Relevant Expertise.
Your mentor understands the Cleveland market and business landscape. That local flavor means customized support that’s grounded in real‑world experience.
Proven Impact.
In recent years, SCORE Cleveland volunteers delivered over 7,500 direct services—mentor sessions and workshops alike—helping launch 501 new businesses and creating 808 jobs. Surveys show 86% of clients would recommend SCORE to others, and over half reported revenue growth following mentorship.
Built‑In Networking.
Joining SCORE connects you with a vibrant community of local entrepreneurs and talented volunteers. If you’re interested, you can even give back by volunteering—many mentors report intellectual stimulation and emotional satisfaction from helping other business owners succeed.
What’s Next?
SCORE Cleveland has a lot to offer small business owners, and that might feel a bit overwhelming. Let Growth Capital help alleviate some of that stress and help you figure out where your small business is going next and what it will need from SCORE to get there. Contact our dedicated team of business development professionals today to get started!