Where to get free, expert advice on planning, funding, marketing and more.
Free small business help is available in almost every community through a national network of partners supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In the Sacramento region, that includes SCORE Capital Corridor and the Norcal Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network.
You do not have to figure out your business alone, or pay for every answer. A national network of SBA-supported partners offers free or low-cost advising in almost every community.
SCORE mentors
SCORE is a nonprofit of volunteer mentors, many of them retired or working business owners and executives. You can meet a mentor in person or online as often as you need, at no cost, and join free workshops and webinars.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
SBDCs are usually hosted by universities and colleges. Their advisers help with business plans, loan applications, financial projections, marketing and export. One-on-one advising is free; some training has a small fee.
Women’s Business Centers
These centers offer training and advising focused on women entrepreneurs, open to everyone, often with flexible hours and in several languages.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers
Veterans, service members and military spouses can get help with planning, training and the Boots to Business program.
APEX Accelerators
If you want to sell to government agencies, APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers) help with registrations, certifications and bids at no cost.
How to make the most of free help
- Bring specific questions and your numbers to the first meeting.
- Ask for introductions: advisers often know local lenders and buyers.
- Follow up and report back, so your adviser can keep helping as you grow.
Key takeaways
- SCORE, SBDCs and Women’s Business Centers offer free one-on-one advising.
- Use the SBA’s local assistance finder to locate the nearest office.
- Come prepared with questions and numbers.
Sources
Photo: NAVFAC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
