SCORE mentors America’s small businesses. They are a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small business start, grow and succeed nationwide. Volunteers are working or retired business owners, executives and corporate leaders who share their wisdom and lessons learned in business. They offer free and confidential business advice through Ask SCORE online, face-to-face mentoring, workshops and more.

SBDC Programs deliver professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. SBDCs provide problem-solving assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity and innovation.

WBCs provide free, to low-cost counseling and training and focus on women who want to start, grow, and expand their small business. The SBA helps women entrepreneurs launch new businesses and compete in the marketplace. Connect with the training and funding opportunities specifically for women.

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Read on to learn about each step.

You can find the following information via the link in the button. 1. Pick your business location 2. Choose a business structure 3. Choose your business name 4. Register your business 5. Get federal and state tax ID numbers 6. Apply for licenses and permits 7. Open a business bank account 8. Get business insurance

How to start with a balance sheet, picking a method of accounting, get accounting help, and managing business credit.

Learn how to find and win contracts with the federal government, gain a competitive edge with help from the SBA’s business development programs, and find counseling and training resources to help you understand the federal contracting process.