25 Helpful Resources for New Small Businesses

Starting a small business is exciting, but you need support and information. Here are 25 trusted resources that help business owners with everything from paperwork to marketing and funding. Each link takes you right to the resource.

1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
   Guides, loans, grants, business plans, mentoring.
2. Better Business Bureau (BBB)
   Check reviews, build trust with customers, resolve complaints.
3. U.S. Chamber of Commerce
   National advocacy, tips, and networking for business owners.
4. SCORE
   Free mentoring, business workshops, and online resources.
5. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
   Local help with business plans, funding, and marketing.
6. Local State Business Portal
   Find your own state’s resources for licensing and registration.
7. IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
   Guides on federal taxes, forms, and deadlines.
8. BusinessUSA
   Tools from multiple government agencies (archived, but content includes guides and info).
9. National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
   Advocacy, legal help, and business advice.
10. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
    Help with trademarks, patents, and protecting business ideas.
11. Women’s Business Centers
    Support for women entrepreneurs, loans, and mentorship.
12. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
    Resources, grants, and networking for minority business owners.
13. Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)
    Business support for veteran entrepreneurs.
14. U.S. Export Assistance Centers
    Help for businesses expanding into international markets.
15. Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC)
    Find your local SBDC and more training options.
16. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
    Advice, grants, and discounts for self-employed professionals.
17. America’s Service Corps (AmeriCorps)
    Volunteer networks and social enterprise support.
18. FedEx Small Business Center
    Shipping, e-commerce, and growth tips.
19. Google for Startups
    Marketing, productivity, and tech tools for startups.
20. Facebook Business Resources
    Guides to advertising, pages, and selling on Facebook.
21. LinkedIn for Small Business
    Networking and marketing guides for small businesses.
22. Shopify Learn
    E-commerce guides, courses, and business tips.
23. LegalZoom
    Business formation, trademarks, and legal documents.
24. National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
    Community and resources for women business owners.
25. SBA Learning Platform
    Free online courses on business topics from the SBA.

Use these resources for advice, funding, compliance, marketing, and networking. They will help guide your small business journey and give you tools to grow and succeed.