SCORE Chicago
Free business mentoring for Chicago area entrepreneurs.
About
SCORE Chicago provides free, confidential business mentoring and workshops to help small businesses start and grow in the Chicago metropolitan area.
SCORE Chicago is a chapter of SCORE, a nationwide network of volunteer business mentors supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE Chicago provides free, confidential one-on-one business mentoring and low-cost workshops to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Chicago metropolitan area start, grow, and succeed. The organization connects aspiring and established business owners with experienced mentors who have real-world expertise across industries including retail, manufacturing, services, technology, and more. SCORE mentors work with clients to develop or refine business plans, improve financial management, navigate market challenges, explore growth strategies, and solve operational problems. Whether you're in the pre-startup phase, launching a new venture, or looking to scale an existing business, SCORE Chicago's mentors provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals. The organization also hosts workshops covering topics such as business fundamentals, marketing, accounting, funding options, and compliance. As an SBA-recognized resource partner, SCORE Chicago is committed to making high-quality business advice accessible to all entrepreneurs, regardless of their background or financial resources.
Services Offered
Program Type
SCORE Chapter (SBA-Supported Mentorship Network)
Cost
Free mentoring; low-cost workshops
Services
Free one-on-one business mentoring, business plan review and development, financial guidance, market analysis, growth strategy, low-cost workshops and seminars, operational consulting
Best For
Aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, small business owners seeking growth, businesses facing operational challenges, entrepreneurs needing guidance on funding, marketing, or financial management
Focus Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does SCORE Chicago provide?
SCORE Chicago offers free, confidential one-on-one business mentoring with volunteer mentors who have extensive business experience. Services include business plan development and review, financial projections and analysis, market research guidance, operational problem-solving, and strategic planning. The center also provides low-cost workshops and seminars on topics like starting a business, marketing strategies, financial management, securing funding, and regulatory compliance. Mentoring can be conducted in-person, by phone, or online to accommodate your schedule.
Is SCORE Chicago free to use?
Yes. SCORE Chicago's one-on-one mentoring services are completely free, thanks to funding from the SBA and support from volunteer mentors. Workshops and seminars are offered at a low cost to help cover operational expenses, but mentoring itself has no fee. This makes SCORE an accessible resource for entrepreneurs at any stage of business development.
Who can use SCORE Chicago?
SCORE Chicago serves entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, including anyone considering starting a business, new business owners, and established small business owners seeking growth or operational improvement. There are no income requirements, business size restrictions, or membership fees. SCORE welcomes entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, industries, and experience levels.
How do I get started with SCORE Chicago?
To access SCORE Chicago services, visit the SCORE website or contact SCORE Chicago directly to request a mentor match. You'll be asked about your business needs and goals so staff can connect you with a mentor whose experience aligns with your situation. You can then schedule mentoring sessions at a time that works for you. You can also browse and register for upcoming workshops online. Getting started is simple and requires no application fee.
Last updated: February 28, 2026