Resources to Help You Take Your Small Business to the Next Level
Creating a small business can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help! We’ve curated a list of small business resources covering topics like financing, human resources, planning and operations, taxes, and more.
1) SCORE
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. It’s dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
SCORE has local offices with in-person support as well as online educational webinars and opportunities for mentorship by experienced, volunteer business professionals.
SCORE mentors offer area-specific advice at no cost (financing, human resources, business planning) via email, telephone, and video. SCORE mentors, who are all experts in entrepreneurship and related fields, meet with their small business clients on an ongoing basis to provide continued advice and support.
SCORE provides a wide range of services including training, webinars, online workshops, courses on demand, and a library of online resources.
2) Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
SBDCs provide counseling and training to small businesses including working with the SBA to develop and provide informational tools to support business start-ups and existing business expansion.
3) Small Business Administration (SBA):
The SBA is a federal government agency that supports small businesses. SBA provides an array of technical centers, financial opportunities, export and trade assistance, and targeted outreach programs for small businesses all over the country.
SBA’s free and thorough online learning platform is made up of short videos and text to walk you through nearly every aspect of owning and growing a small business.
4) Make Local Connections
Reach out to area government, civic, and business leaders.
Local governments may have specific opportunities like small business incubators and/or support programs. You may be able to take advantage of county or city-level grant, funding, and business partnership and contract opportunities. Additionally, opportunities to market and promote your business may exist in the county’s business development and tourism efforts.
So where do you go to find this support?
- Check out your local economic development office. Business networking groups such as the local Chamber of Commerce can connect you to other business owners in your local community. This is a place to gain and receive referrals.
- Nonprofits and civic organizations in your community may also have programs to serve start-up small businesses or may become customers for your business.
5) Tax-related small business resources
Professional tax assistance can help you properly report income and take legal deductions for business expenses. That said, it’s essential to know who you’re working with. The IRS offers tips to help select a tax professional as well as a directory of tax professionals
According to the IRS, anyone with a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) can prepare a tax return for a client. However, tax return preparers have differing levels of skills, education, and expertise.
Check out the IRS’s searchable directory of tax return preparers to browse a list of preparers in your area who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion.
The IRS also offers a variety of online resources to help small business owners understand their tax responsibilities through the Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center, the Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center, and the Sharing Economy Tax Center.
We also recommend checking your state’s Department of Taxation or Department of Revenue to find state and regional small business resources.
6) Protect yourself from business scams
When you’re looking for resources or money, watch out for scams.
One major red flag for a business scam is that you’re asked to pay a fee or charge BEFORE the grant, loan, contract, or business agreement. Remember, if an offer or deal seems too good to be true, it’s probably is a scam.
How do you know if it’s too good to be true? Watch out for indicators like paying very high wages or over-market value, little or no official paperwork or process, deals that happen quickly, etc. And don’t give money or personal information, such as birth dates, social security numbers, etc., unless you have complete confidence in who you’re dealing with.
For more details about small business scams, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers tips and info about common business scams and job scams.
Marjorie McLean is a financial counselor and educator whose favorite childhood Saturday morning activity was counting the coins in her piggy bank. As an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), she is a member of the Better Financial Counseling Network and is the owner of FinancialPearl. Marjorie partners with people, providing tools, resources, and information, guiding them to take positive steps to identify and achieve their financial goals.