Elk Rapids Women: International Women's Day

Description

Many people dream of starting their own businesses, but with 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs failing within the first 18 months, it's a huge risk. One way to reduce that risk is to get help. Help, however, is not always easy to find or cheap. 

That's where SCORE comes in. SCORE is the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors who provide free advice and support to new and experienced entrepreneurs. Since 1964, SCORE has provided mentoring, workshops, and educational resources to more than 11 million people. 

Locally, Up North SCORE in Traverse City provides regular workshops at the Traverse Area District Library focusing on topics like marketing, social media, websites, and more. They also provide mentoring for specific business needs. Ruth Nunnelley, a new SCORE mentor, says, "There is always a part of business ownership that people don't understand. A mentor's main purpose is to listen to the mentee. We guide them and suggest options...to help them succeed at their dream."

That's a mission the Elk Rapids Women believe in and want to encourage, so they're teaming up with Up North SCORE to help bring entrepreneurs and mentors together. "One of our members recently opened a new business, and she couldn't stop raving about the kindness and support she received from SCORE," said Elk Rapids Women's president Karin Beery. "She didn't know much about the organization before she met with them, and we wondered how many other business owners out there could benefit from SCORE if they knew about their services."

Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to meet mentors from SCORE and the Elk Rapids Women on Thursday, March 7 at Towline Ciderworks (11595 US 31 South, Williamsburg) from 6-8 p.m. for free networking. If you have any questions, please contact the Elk Rapids Women at elkrapidswomen@gmail.com.