SCORE Mentors

05/10/2026

Introducing the SCOREboard:

Our very own virtual bulletin board built for THIS community.

Each week, we’ll post a prompt where you can share wins, ask questions, swap insights, and support fellow entrepreneurs along the way.

Think of it as your space to show up, speak up, and connect.

New week, new prompt 👇

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Pin it to the SCOREboard 📌

In honor of Mother's Day, what advice do you have for MOMpreneurs?

We'll use the comment section as a sounding board to offer resources and support.

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Have something YOU want to ask other entrepreneurs? DM us to submit your prompts. 📩

05/09/2026

“He shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

For Mark and Shannon Debner, building their business was never easy — but in 2008, everything changed overnight.

Just months after acquiring another company and moving into a new facility, a devastating flood destroyed the future they had carefully planned. Then came the economic collapse. Between June 2008 and January 2009, DPI moved three times while fighting to keep the business alive.

But quitting was never part of the plan.

Through determination, long hours, and an unwavering commitment to their team and customers, the owners of DPI Quality Custom Finishes rebuilt piece by piece. Along the way, SCORE mentor Scott Loggins became a steady source of guidance and support during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.

“He has experienced what we’ve been through, and he came out on the other side,” Mark shared. “He shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

With SCORE’s help developing a new business plan and navigating constant change, Mark and Shannon turned disaster into resilience — proving that sometimes success is not about avoiding the storm, but finding the strength to rebuild after it.

05/08/2026

Something special happened in the Learning Lab this week 🧪

Ideas → action
Connections → opportunities
Entrepreneurs → growth

Two days. Ten webinars. 5,000+ registrants.

Same time next year? 👀

05/07/2026

In light of NSBW, we're excited to announce that we're teaming up with to bring you a series of AI webinars this year.

Join us to learn about how Google AI can help your business and get more details about the free Google AI Professional Certificate for U.S. small businesses.

Build AI fluency with hands-on training from Google experts. Master tools like Gemini & NotebookLM through 20+ activities designed to help you work smarter.

05/07/2026

: Finding Grants and Sponsorships: Locate Opportunities, Apply Confidently, Stand Out to Funders

Cheryl Smith is closing out our National Small Business Week Learning Lab with some words of encouragement!

05/07/2026

Thank you for a wonderful called, “How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business. this has been an amazing two-day experience.

05/07/2026

: How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business

Ramon Ray delivering hot takes on transitioning into an entrepreneur! Are you tuning in?

05/07/2026

: AI in 2026: What’s Changing and What It Means for Small Business

SCORE mentors Matthew and Charlie are discussing where AI fits in the small business workflow!

10/09/2025

“Finally got to meet my advisor in person. This free program has been a game-changer. I can’t recommend it enough for fellow entrepreneurs.” - SCORE Client Maggie Benson

We ❤️ hearing feedback like this! At SCORE, our mentors are here to guide you every step of the way—whether it’s your first meeting or your 50th.

Best part? It’s completely free.

Ready to level up your business? 🔗 Link in comments to connect with a SCORE mentor today!

10/07/2025

“It’s not about finding yourself. It’s about shedding what is holding you back.”

Fermented Felon Founder Tony Horner was no stranger to the word no.

- Denied employment from a call center for his criminal history.
- Denied an SBA loan from a bank because of his criminal history.
- Denied admission to professional investment classes because of his criminal history.
- Denied access to trade school because of his criminal history.
- Denied admission to college programs because of his criminal history.

From incarceration to innovation, kombucha was Tony’s big YES.

Fermented Felon combines the restorative powers of kombucha with Tony’s belief in fresh starts. Consumers can sip on handcrafted flavors like Profound Peach and Raspberry Respect while supporting their mission to uplift lives impacted by the justice system.

Tony may have developed a winning kombucha recipe but when he needed business support, he turned to SCORE.

“My SCORE mentor was phenomenal. He had the formula for success.”

10/06/2025

💡 Ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers free live webinars and local workshops to help you start, grow, and thrive.

09/29/2025

📌 Hurry, Southeast Minnesota entrepreneurs! Register now for our webinar!
Are you posting on Instagram but not seeing results?

In this webinar, Instagram expert Sue B. Zimmerman will show you how to build and grow an engaged Instagram community.

Get Clients on Instagram - How to Build a Community That Buys
Date & Time: September 30, 2025, 1:00pm EDT
Live event (online)
Cost: $0.00
Duration: 1 Hour
Language: English
Register now ↓

Learn how to use Instagram comments, posts, and DMs to connect with clients, earn their trust, and turn conversations into sales.

09/25/2025

Inspired by her stepson with autism, Wendy Dawson co-founded Incuentro LLC with Brandi Timmons, MEd, BCBA, LBA, to support neurodiverse individuals through technology and human-centered design.

With guidance from SCORE, Wendy and Brandi refined their strategy, strengthened operations and secured a grant to increase their impact.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers a wealth of valuable resources to help you succeed and our experienced mentors are here to guide you every step of the way. ➡https://score.org/seminnesota

📷: SCORE client Wendy Dawson, CEO of Incuentro LLC

09/23/2025

Have you ever had an epiphany that changed your life completely? After earning a Ph.D., publishing textbooks and teaching, Viviane Gontijo realized her happiest moments were when family, friends, students and colleagues enjoyed her decadent treats. After the pandemic, she decided to turn her passion into a full-time career.

From day one, Vivilicious Chocolates thrived with SCORE’s programs and mentorship. A SCORE mentor provided expert guidance as she navigated forming an LLC, finance, product development, sales and management. With SCORE’s support, Viviane transformed her passion project into a thriving premium chocolate business.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers a wealth of valuable resources to help you succeed and our experienced mentors are here to guide you every step of the way. ➡ https://score.org/seminnesota

🎥: SCORE client Viviane Gontijo, owner of Vivilicious Chocolates

09/22/2025

✏️ Register today, Southeast Minnesota entrepreneurs! Our workshop is filling up fast—don’t wait!
The holiday season is the biggest sales opportunity of the year, but without a plan, it can quickly become overwhelming.

In this webinar, our expert presenter will show you how to create a simple holiday marketing plan that saves time and drives results.

Holiday Marketing Strategies to Sleigh the Year’s Biggest Sales Opportunity
Date & Time: September 25, 2025, 1:00pm EDT
Cost: $15.00
Duration: 90 Minutes
Language: English
Live event (online)

Learn simple holiday marketing strategies to connect with customers, boost sales and make the most of the year’s biggest shopping season.

09/21/2025

Happy Sunday! We have a thought starter for you.

What’s the biggest myth about starting your own business?

Let's debunk in the comments below.

09/18/2025

Jonathan and Rosie Hernandez’s love of food and family inspired them to open Falafel Taco, a fusion of Mexican and Israeli cuisine. What started as cooking for their blended families of vegans and meat eaters grew into a take-out restaurant, featuring made-to-order falafels, homemade tahini, latkes with fresh guacamole and Mexican matzoh ball soup.

To bring their vision to life, Rosie worked with SCORE mentors. Through weekly guidance, they received help with licensing, financial planning, real estate, marketing strategy, menu design and staffing—giving Jonathan and Rosie the confidence to launch successfully.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers a wealth of valuable resources to help you succeed and our experienced mentors are here to guide you every step of the way. ➡ https://score.org/seminnesota

📷: SCORE clients Jonathan and Rosie Hernandez, owners of Falafel Taco

09/16/2025

Susana Matos-Kruck’s passion for education and commitment to multilingual learners inspired her to create Up The Bar. After years in the classroom and in school leadership, she launched a professional development company that partners with districts nationwide to provide training, coaching and implementation support. She helps educators raise the bar for students in more than 30 districts.

When Susana needed expert guidance in business operations, financial planning and growth, she turned to SCORE. With support from mentors, workshops and training, she gained the knowledge and confidence to transform her vision into a thriving company with lasting impact.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers a wealth of valuable resources to help you succeed and our experienced mentors are here to guide you every step of the way. ➡ https://score.org/seminnesota

📷: SCORE client Susana Matos-Kruck, founder of Up The Bar

09/15/2025

📢 Attention, Southeast Minnesota business owners! Don’t miss this webinar—sign up now!
Are you tired of prospects saying, “I need to think about it,” or disappearing without a response?

In this webinar, our expert presenter will walk you through a simple, repeatable framework for crafting an irresistible offer.

Grow Your Customer Base - How to Create Offers They Can’t Refuse
Date & Time: September 18, 2025, 1:00pm EDT
Cost: $10.00
Duration: 1 Hour
Language: English
Live event (online)
Register now ↓

Learn to identify your target market, understand prospects' thoughts, and create offers that make people want to say “yes.”