Small Business Consulting from the SBA

Free consulting and training for small business owners.  Sounds too good to be true, right?  But it is the exception to the rule that “if it sounds too good to be true, it is.”  What kinds of services can you receive from the SBA and its partners?

• Online Training. The SBA offers online training courses in topics like starting a business, preparing a business plan, franchising, marketing and advertising, preparing a loan package, technology, and many more.

• Online Mentoring. SCORE (the Service Corps of Retired Executives) has a long list of online mentors for you to choose from.  Mentors are listed by state and you can see what kinds of business experience each one has had.

• One-on-One Consultation with a SCORE volunteer at your local SCORE office. Find the office that is closest to you and give them a call.
• Workshops and More One-on-one Consulting is available through your local Small Business Development Center. These centers operate in association with local colleges and universities.

If you are not sure where to start, begin with a phone call or visit to your local Small Business Administration office.  They can direct you to people with the SBA or SCORE or maybe an SBDC workshop, or all of the above.  Take advantage of these great resources; talk to as many people as you can, and get elp with your small business start-up.

Image: Cambodia4kids.org@flickr