The Best Free Resources For Thriving Small Businesses

Explore 10 Free Small Business Consulting Recources

Small Business Consulting includes all consulting activities that help small businesses to grow their business. 

Key areas of assistance contain:

1. Business Planning
2. Financial Planning for Capital Access
3. Marketing and Sales Growth
4. Business Management

Learn here about ten free resources and institutions to get the support you need as a startup and small business owner in the U.S.:

1. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
2. Community College Small Business Centers
3. Community Navigators Program
4. SCORE Business Mentoring (SCORE=Service Corps Of Retired Executives)
5. Office of Native American Affairs
6. Women's Business Centers
7. Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program,
8. Access to Capital, e.g. Lender Match, Microloan Program
9. Export and Trade Assistance, e.g. U.S. Export Assistance Centers
10. Private Business Consulting Partners, e.g. ZANDURA

1. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is a network of centers across the United States that provide assistance to small businesses. SBDCs are often located in universities, community colleges, and other educational institutions. The centers provide free and low-cost consulting, training, and other resources to small businesses. They can help with a range of business needs, including business planning, marketing, financial management, and access to capital.

2. Community College Small Business Centers

Community College Small Business Centers provide support to small businesses by offering training, consulting, and technical assistance. These centers are typically located within community colleges and universities and provide low-cost services to small business owners. They offer a range of services, including business planning, financial management, marketing, and access to capital.

3. Community Navigators Program

The Community Navigators Program is a program that helps small businesses navigate the resources available to them. The program is run by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and provides outreach and assistance to underserved communities. Community Navigators help connect small businesses with the resources they need to start and grow their businesses, including training, mentorship, and access to capital.

4. SCORE Business Mentoring 

SCORE Business Mentoring, (SCORE=Service Corps Of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring services to small business owners. The organization is run by a team of volunteer mentors who are retired executives and business owners. SCORE mentors provide assistance with business planning, marketing, financial management, and other business needs.

5. Office of Native American Affairs

The Office of Native American Affairs is a program within the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides assistance to Native American small businesses. The program offers business counseling, training, and technical assistance to Native American entrepreneurs. It also provides access to capital and helps businesses compete for government contracts.

6. Women's Business Centers

The Women's Business Centers (WBC) is a network of centers across the United States that provide resources and support to women entrepreneurs. The centers offer training, counseling, and networking opportunities to help women start and grow successful businesses. They also provide access to capital and help women compete for government contracts.

7. Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program provides assistance to veteran entrepreneurs. The program offers business counseling, training, and technical assistance to veterans who are starting or growing a small business. It also provides access to capital and helps businesses compete for government contracts.

8. Access to Capital, e.g. Lender Match, Microloan Program

Access to capital is an important aspect of starting and growing a small business. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a range of programs to help small businesses access capital, including the Lender Match program and the Microloan Program. The Lender Match program connects small businesses with lenders who are willing to provide financing. The Microloan Program provides small loans to help businesses start and grow.

9. Export and Trade Assistance

Export and trade can be a complex process, but the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a range of programs to help small businesses succeed in the global marketplace. The U.S. Export Assistance Centers provide support to small businesses that want to export their products and services. The centers offer training, counseling, and technical assistance to help businesses navigate the export process and find opportunities in international markets.

10. Private Business Consulting Partners

Private Business Consulting Partners offer a range of services to small businesses as well, including business planning, marketing tips, business and financial management. These partners can help you develop a strategic plan for growth, analyze financial data to improve cash flow, and find ways to reduce costs. 

Save time and money

While you concentrate on your business idea, Zandura offers you support in your day-to-day business, e.g. with our free business plan samples and proven templates for offers, invoices or contracts. Explore our free business templates here.