Here are the top small business resources in the United States that offer support, guidance, and tools for entrepreneurs:
1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Website: sba.gov
- What it offers: Provides free business counseling, loan programs, government contracting resources, disaster assistance, and a comprehensive library of business guides and templates.
2. SCORE
- Website: score.org
- What it offers: A nonprofit organization that provides free mentoring, workshops, and business tools through a network of volunteer business experts.
3. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
- Website: americassbdc.org
- What it offers: SBDCs provide free consulting and training services in business planning, finance, and marketing. Located across the U.S., they offer local, personalized support.
4. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council
- Website: uschamber.com
- What it offers: Provides resources, advocacy, networking opportunities, and insights on business policies that impact small businesses.
5. National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
- Website: nfib.com
- What it offers: An advocacy group that provides legal support, resources, research, and updates on small business legislation and policies.
6. IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
- Website: irs.gov
- What it offers: Provides tax guidance and information, including how to file taxes, employee taxes, and deductions for small businesses.
7. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- Website: uspto.gov
- What it offers: Offers resources and information on patents, trademarks, and intellectual property protection for small businesses.
8. Grants.gov
- Website: grants.gov
- What it offers: A centralized source for federal government grants. Small businesses can search and apply for grants across a variety of industries.
9. Nav
- Website: nav.com
- What it offers: Helps small businesses understand and manage their business credit, find loans, and compare financing options.
10. Kiva U.S.
- Website: us.kiva.org
- What it offers: A nonprofit that provides 0% interest loans to small business owners who might not qualify for traditional loans, particularly in underserved communities.
11. Entrepreneur.com
- Website: entrepreneur.com
- What it offers: Provides advice, articles, guides, and inspiration for entrepreneurs. Topics range from marketing to finance and business growth.
12. Fundera
- Website: fundera.com
- What it offers: A marketplace where small businesses can compare loan options from different lenders. Offers financial resources like loan guides, tools, and calculators.
13. Hello Alice
- Website: helloalice.com
- What it offers: A free platform that offers resources, personalized business guides, and grant opportunities for small businesses.
14. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
- Website: nase.org
- What it offers: Offers health insurance options, grants, discounts, and expert advice to self-employed individuals and micro-business owners.
15. Shopify’s Entrepreneur Resources
- Website: shopify.com/blog
- What it offers: Offers resources on starting, managing, and growing an online business. Topics include e-commerce strategies, digital marketing, and customer retention.
16. Bplans
- Website: bplans.com
- What it offers: Provides free business plan templates, financial calculators, and expert advice for starting and growing a small business.
17. LegalZoom
- Website: legalzoom.com
- What it offers: Offers affordable legal services, including business formation, contracts, trademarks, and business compliance support.
18. Biz2Credit
- Website: biz2credit.com
- What it offers: An online marketplace that connects small businesses with a range of financing options and offers resources to help navigate the lending process.
19. Manta
- Website: manta.com
- What it offers: A resource for small business owners offering tools, marketing advice, and business directories to help businesses build an online presence.
20. BusinessUSA
- Website: business.usa.gov
- What it offers: A government resource that helps small businesses access relevant federal and local information on starting and growing a business.
These resources can help small business owners with everything from planning and financing to marketing and legal support.
