Free one-on-one business advising and low-cost training through a nationwide network hosted at universities and colleges.
In plain terms: This tool helps you locate nearby centers that offer personalized business advising and training. You can work with advisors to develop business plans, manage finances, and access capital to start or grow your company.
Why I recommend it: Free advising with real financial help — find your local center and book an appointment.
Free, in-person business advising funded through the SBA — help with plans, financing, licensing, and hiring.
In plain terms: This search tool helps you locate your nearest Small Business Development Center by state or ZIP code. You can use it to connect with local advisors for free business consulting and low-cost training.
Why I recommend it: Free one-on-one advising in nearly every county. Most owners never realize it exists.
Government & Community Small-Business Support (Founder's Directory)
The government and community pages of the Founder's Directory: SBA, local SBDCs, SCORE mentoring, MBDA business centers, Women's Business Centers, Grants.gov, SBIR/STTR R&D grants, plus Comcast RISE, Verizon Digital Ready, Hello Alice, IFundWomen, and LISC.
In plain terms: This directory lists government and community programs that support small business owners and startups. You can use it to find free business coaching, connect with expert mentors, and search for grants.
Why I recommend it: Free 1:1 business coaching from an SBDC or SCORE mentor is the most underused resource in this whole library. Book a session before you pay a consultant.
