SCORE Mentors

10/02/2026

Manufacturing takes more than engineering. It takes vision, problem-solving, and the business know-how to turn an idea into a thriving company. 🏭

For National Manufacturing Day, meet Brad, founder of AMS Galaxy USA, a manufacturer of precision dairy equipment helping farmers reclaim something invaluable: time with their families.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Brad saw firsthand how demanding the work could be. He wanted to help other farmers change that story through robotic milking technology. But when it came to running a business, he quickly realized that engineering expertise was only part of the equation.

That’s where SCORE came in. Through mentorship, Brad gained guidance in sales, marketing, accounting, finance, and strategy, the essential business skills that help manufacturers grow beyond the production floor.

“We wouldn't be where we are without SCORE,” Brad shared.

This National Manufacturing Day, we're celebrating the manufacturers who turn innovation into impact, and the mentors who help them build stronger businesses.

10/01/2026

New month, new opportunities to grow your business! 💡

Our October webinar lineup covers practical topics to help you work smarter, make informed financial decisions, and plan for what’s next.

👉 Swipe through to see what’s coming up, choose the sessions that interest you, and register for free!

We look forward to learning with you this month. 💙

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

Real end-of-year SMB planning = no fluff.

What’s one unwritten rule you have for holiday prep? Drop it below 👇

09/28/2026

Pin it to the SCOREboard 📌

What's one skill Future You will thank you for learning?

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. 📩

09/24/2026

“Starting Mothership Coffee Roasters was personal for me.”

For Juanny Romero, coffee became a vehicle for creating the kind of connection and community she wished she had growing up. A child of immigrants from the rough side of Queens, she built Mothership Coffee Roasters around a simple mission: create meaningful connections through great coffee.

Fifteen years later, that mission has grown into six cafes, regional retail partnerships, and coffee sourced from women-owned farming cooperatives.

Along the way, SCORE has been part of Juanny’s journey, providing mentorship, encouragement, and the perspective she needed to grow from a passionate entrepreneur into the CEO of a multi-chain, multi-vertical business.

But for Juanny, success isn't just about how much the business has grown. It's about what that growth makes possible: supporting women coffee producers, investing in her community, and creating spaces where people can connect.

Her advice to other entrepreneurs? Embrace mentorship. The right guidance can help you break through limiting beliefs and see what's possible.

09/24/2026

Join SCORE Mentors on September 29 at 1 PM for their 'Beyond the Barcode: Manage Inventory, Navigate Retail Channels and Prepare to Scale' webinar! 🛍️

Discover how barcodes can support inventory management, prepare your business for wholesale distribution, and MORE!

Register here ➡️: https://f.mtr.cool/hpli68wfej

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, North Cook and Lake Counties 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/northchicago

📷: 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/northchicago

🎥: SCORE client Viviane Gontijo, owner of Vivilicious Chocolates

09/22/2025

✏️ Register today, North Cook and Lake Counties 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/northchicago

📷: 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/northchicago

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