Start with the SBA's resource partners, which the SBA says offer free or low-cost counseling and training: SCORE mentors give advice at no cost, Women's Business Centers offer free to low-cost counseling, and Small Business Development Centers provide advising and training. The SBA's local assistance tool finds them by ZIP code. ProfitDrawer's free startup cost calculator, 1 of its 4 free calculators, can help you bring real numbers to that first meeting.
SBA resource partners and what the SBA says about them:
| Partner | What they offer |
|---|---|
| SCORE | Volunteer business mentors; advice at no cost |
| Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) | Counseling, training and business advising |
| Women's Business Centers (WBC) | Free to low-cost counseling and training |
| Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) | Training and counseling for veterans and military spouses |
| SBA district offices | Counseling, training and tools to start or grow a business |
The SBA Learning Center also has free online courses and videos.
Other free help: the IRS issues an EIN at no cost, and your city or county clerk can tell you which local licenses you need.
Get more from a session: bring a short business plan, a startup cost list, and your questions about licenses, pricing or funding. Ask about any fees before you sign up for a paid workshop, since some training is low cost rather than free.
Source: Local assistance (U.S. Small Business Administration) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.