SCORE Akron & Canton
Free business mentoring and workshops for entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio.
About
SCORE Akron & Canton provides free, confidential business mentoring and low-cost workshops to help small businesses start and grow in Summit, Stark, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Wayne, Columbiana, Tuscarawas, Holmes, Carroll, and Harrison counties.
SCORE Akron & Canton is a free mentoring resource center dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Northeast Ohio succeed. As a SCORE chapter, this center connects aspiring and established business owners with experienced volunteer mentors who provide confidential, one-on-one guidance on critical business challenges. Whether you're in the startup phase or looking to scale an existing operation, SCORE Akron & Canton offers personalized mentoring tailored to your specific business needs at no cost. The center also hosts affordable workshops covering essential topics like business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and operational best practices. Serving Summit, Stark, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Wayne, Columbiana, Tuscarawas, Holmes, Carroll, and Harrison counties, SCORE Akron & Canton is part of the U.S. Small Business Administration's network of resource centers designed to strengthen small business growth. SCORE mentors bring decades of real-world business experience across diverse industries, making this an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs seeking expert advice without the cost of hiring consultants. The center's mission is to ensure that geography, background, or financial constraints never prevent an entrepreneur from accessing quality business guidance.
Services Offered
Program Type
SCORE Chapter (SBA Resource Partner)
Cost
Free mentoring; low-cost workshops
Services
Free one-on-one mentoring, business plan development, startup guidance, business strategy consulting, low-cost workshops on financial management, marketing, operations, and business planning
Best For
Startup founders, existing small business owners seeking growth, entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio counties, business owners without access to expensive consulting services
Focus Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does SCORE Akron & Canton provide?
SCORE Akron & Canton provides free, confidential one-on-one business mentoring from experienced volunteer mentors, business plan development and review, startup guidance, growth strategy consulting, and low-cost workshops on topics such as financial management, marketing, business planning, cash flow management, and operational efficiency. Mentors work with you to solve specific business challenges, refine your business model, and develop actionable strategies for success.
Is SCORE Akron & Canton free to use?
Yes, mentoring services through SCORE Akron & Canton are completely free and confidential. This is part of the SBA's commitment to providing no-cost business resources to entrepreneurs. While workshops are offered at low cost, the primary mentoring relationship with experienced business advisors requires no financial investment, making this an accessible resource for all small business owners regardless of budget.
Who can use SCORE Akron & Canton?
SCORE Akron & Canton serves anyone interested in starting or growing a small business in Summit, Stark, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Wayne, Columbiana, Tuscarawas, Holmes, Carroll, and Harrison counties. This includes first-time entrepreneurs, existing business owners seeking growth strategies, individuals exploring business ownership, and those facing specific business challenges. There are no eligibility restrictions based on business size, industry, or experience level.
How do I get started with SCORE Akron & Canton?
To access SCORE Akron & Canton's services, contact the center directly through their website or by phone to request a mentor match. You'll be paired with a volunteer mentor whose experience aligns with your business needs. Initial consultations are used to understand your goals and challenges. You can then schedule regular mentoring sessions at times convenient to both you and your mentor. Workshop schedules are available through the center, and you can register for any low-cost training sessions that address your business development needs.
Last updated: February 27, 2026