Starting a small business involves more than a great idea, it requires access to the right tools, support networks, and funding opportunities. Entrepreneurs benefit from planning resources, coaching, and development programs that guide everything from business models to technology and market strategy. Whether you’re launching your first venture or exploring a second career, a wide range of programs, mentors, and public funding sources are available to help bring your vision to life.

Planning and Development Resources

• Online Small Business Resources: The Small Business Administration – U.S. government website for small businesses. Provides a range of resources from planning your small business to information on SBA loans and disaster relief. 
• Free business advice and tools for entrepreneurs – This Canada-based website gives a broad overview of many facets within entrepreneurship. Topics range from creating start-ups, buying existing businesses, and how to effectively use technology.  
• Research Guides at the Library of Congress: Entrepreneur’s Reference Guide to Small Business Information – This is a reference guide by the Library of Congress that has many useful tips/resources for those considering opening their own small business.
• Kaufman Entrepreneurs: For People Growing Great Ideas– This is a website filled with short videos and articles to help new entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality by showcasing business models, product development, and navigating the small business world. They also have an extremely informative e-newsletter sent via email.
• Small Business Development Centers (nationwide) – A partner program of the SBA, SBDCs are hosted by local universities, state economic development centers, and private sector development organizations.
• Small Business Resource Center for the 50+ – This is an excellent resource for anyone looking for a second career as a small business owner. They have a plethora of resources for starting, managing, and growing a small business, as well as a list of training and workshop opportunities.
• Women’s Business Development Center – The WBDC offers coaching and certification services, as well as online and in-person workshops and courses for women seeking to start or develop their small business.
• GSA Small Business Resources – The GSA website provides resources for small businesses looking to break into the government contracting realm.

Funding Resources

• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Small Business Resource Directory – This resource helps small business owners understand how to gain funding through public programs, technical assistance, and partnerships.
• The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs – The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization.