Learn · Plan · Grow
Business Resources
Practical, sourced guides for every stage of business, from your first idea to your next round of growth.
Business Finance
Business Credit vs. Personal Credit: What Every Small Business Owner Should Know
How business and personal credit scores differ, why lenders still check both, and eight steps to build a business credit profile that stands on its own.
7 min read
How to Choose a Business Structure in California: Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S Corp or C Corp
Business Finance · 7 min read
Business Banking 101: How to Choose and Open a Business Bank Account
Business Finance · 6 min read
Business Savings: How Much Cash Reserve Does a Small Business Need?
Business Finance · 6 min read
What Is a P&L and a Balance Sheet? A Small Business Owner’s Guide
Business Finance · 6 min read
Small Business Loans: Types, Approval Odds and How to Apply
Business Finance · 6 min read
Business Line of Credit: How It Works, What It Costs and How to Qualify
Business Finance · 6 min read
SBA Loans Explained: 7(a), 504 and Microloans for Small Businesses
Business Finance · 6 min read
Business Loan vs. SBA Loan: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Business Finance · 6 min read
Cash Flow Statement: Why Profitable Businesses Still Run Out of Cash
Business Finance · 6 min read
How to Create a Small Business Budget That You Will Actually Use
Business Finance · 6 min read
Equipment Financing for Small Businesses: Loans, Leases and Tax Breaks
Business Finance · 6 min read
Merchant Cash Advance: How It Works and Why It Can Cost Over 100% APR
Business Finance · 6 min read
Invoice Factoring: How to Turn Unpaid Invoices Into Cash
Business Finance · 6 min read
Government Contracting
How to Bid for Government Contracts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Government agencies buy everything from janitorial services to software. Here is how a small business registers, finds bids and wins its first public contract.
7 min read
How to Get Small Business Certification in California
Government Contracting · 6 min read
How to Get SMUD SEED Verified: Steps and Benefits
Government Contracting · 5 min read
Women-Owned Business Certification: WOSB, EDWOSB and WBE
Government Contracting · 6 min read
Veteran-Owned Business Certification: SDVOSB, VOSB and DVBE
Government Contracting · 5 min read
Other Business Certifications: 8(a), HUBZone, MBE and Local Preferences
Government Contracting · 6 min read
Starting a Business
How to Start a Business: 10 Steps
The ten steps every new business owner works through, from the first market check to opening a bank account.
6 min read
How to Write a Business Plan That Works
Planning · 5 min read
Small Business Funding Options: Loans, Grants and Investors
Funding & Grants · 6 min read
Free Business Help: SCORE, SBDCs and Women’s Business Centers
Free Help & Mentors · 4 min read
Want a topic covered?
Tell us what you are working on and we will add guides that help.
