You do not have to figure out starting a business on your own. There is a network of free and low-cost resources available to small business owners in the United States - including mentoring, business planning help, and local workshops - and most of it is available regardless of where you live.
This page collects the most useful starting points.
Free Mentoring: SCORE
SCORE is the largest network of volunteer business mentors in the country, with more than 10,000 volunteers and hundreds of local chapters. Mentors are typically experienced business owners and executives who volunteer their time to help people starting or growing a business.
Services are free and include one-on-one mentoring (in person or by video), workshops and webinars on topics like business planning, marketing, and finances, and access to an online library of templates and guides.
To find a mentor or local chapter near you, visit score.org. You can also connect with mentors entirely online if an in-person chapter is not convenient.
Government Help: The Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency whose mission is to help small businesses start and grow. Its resources include:
- Learning platform: Free online courses covering business planning, financing, marketing, and more at sba.gov/learning-center
- Business guide: Step-by-step guidance on starting a business, choosing a structure, registering, and managing operations at sba.gov/business-guide
- Funding programs: Information on loans, grants, and other financing options for eligible small businesses
The SBA does not lend money directly in most cases, but it guarantees loans made by approved lenders, which can make it easier for new business owners to qualify.
Local Help: Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are a nationwide network of locally operated business assistance centers, funded in part by the SBA. There are nearly 1,000 locations across the country, typically affiliated with universities, community colleges, or economic development organizations.
SBDCs offer free or low-cost one-on-one consulting and training on business planning, market research, financial projections, licensing, and other topics. The help is hands-on and specific to your business idea, not generic.
Find your nearest SBDC at sba.gov/local-assistance.
Women-Owned Business Resources
If you identify as a woman, the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds Women's Business Centers (WBCs) across the country. These centers offer training and counseling with a focus on women entrepreneurs. Find your nearest WBC through the same SBA local assistance directory.
Where to Learn More Online
For understanding business taxes, recordkeeping, and self-employment responsibilities, the IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center at irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed is the most reliable source.
For registering a business name, obtaining licenses, or understanding state-level requirements, your state's Secretary of State website is the right starting point. Requirements vary significantly by state.
Plain-English Guides from the SeniorAnswerDesk Team
The team that built this site has also written a series of short, plain-English business guides specifically for first-time entrepreneurs - people who want straightforward answers without wading through jargon or legal boilerplate.
If you are just getting started, these three are the most relevant:
LLC or Sole Prop? The First-Time Founder's Guide to Choosing Your Business Structure is available from the SeniorAnswerDesk Team at malboe.gumroad.com/l/bizstrux. Explains the real difference between a sole proprietorship and an LLC, what each costs to set up, how they are taxed, and how to decide which makes sense for your situation.
Lean Business Plan: The 5-Page Plan That Lenders and Partners Actually Read is available from the SeniorAnswerDesk Team at malboe.gumroad.com/l/leanplan. A practical guide to writing a business plan that is short enough to actually finish and substantive enough to be useful - whether for your own clarity or to share with a lender or advisor.
Don't Fail in Year 1: The Plain-English Startup Survival Guide is available from the SeniorAnswerDesk Team at malboe.gumroad.com/l/dontfaily1. Covers the most common reasons new businesses struggle in their first year - cash flow surprises, tax missteps, underpricing, and more - and what to do about each one.
If you would rather have all five books in the series, they are also available as a bundle:
The Complete First-Time Entrepreneur's Guide: All 5 Books is available from the SeniorAnswerDesk Team at malboe.gumroad.com/l/bundleset. Includes the three titles above plus two additional guides on hiring and employee documentation - useful if your business grows to the point of bringing on help.
All guides are PDF downloads you can read at your own pace.
Where to Learn More
- SCORE - score.org Free mentoring from experienced business volunteers, available online or in person nationwide.
- SBA Local Assistance - sba.gov/local-assistance Find your nearest SBDC, SCORE chapter, Women's Business Center, and other SBA resource partners.
- IRS Small Business Tax Center - irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed Tax guidance, forms, and tools for self-employed individuals and small business owners.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes only. A small business advisor or CPA can help you apply these resources to your specific situation.