7 of Our Favorite Small Business Resources
Being a small business owner is tough. Sometimes you might feel like you’re in it alone – you’re not! Other times, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of information out there designed to help you. If you don’t know where to go for help, check out some of our favorite small business resources.
1. Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) can help you with just about anything you need when it comes to your business. They can help you find loans, figure out what your tax obligations are, and so much more.
2. Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are part of the SBA. They can help you by
- providing business consulting
- reviewing your business plan
- getting you started with your marketing research
3. Service Corps of Retired Executives
The Service Corps of Retired Executives, better known as SCORE, provides counseling and mentoring to help you with any area of your business. If you don’t live near a SCORE office, you can sign up for newsletters, attend online webinars, and a lot more. Read also: Do I Need a Mentor?
4. Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is a business organization that can help you connect with other business owners and get your company’s name out in front of your customers. You might have to pay to join your local Chamber of Commerce, but many offer free networking events occasionally. Learn more about why you should start networking.
5. IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
Taxes are complicated, even if you don’t own a business. Instead of trying to find out what you need on Google or fumbling around the IRS website, go directly to the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center. There, you can find information on everything related to small business taxes.
6. Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
It can be tough to keep up with Department of Labor (DOL) regulations and rules, especially as your business is growing and hiring more people. The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is designed to help you, the small business owner, understand all those rules and regulations.
7. Accounting Coach
If you’re interested in learning more about accounting and bookkeeping, Accounting Coach can help. The best part? Many of their courses are free.