Home Business Startup: Free Resources to Help You Start a Small Business

The idea of your first home business startup might seem a bit daunting at first, but take heart. There are many free resources available to help you when you are starting a small business. When your home business startup launches and becomes a successful small business it will contribute not only to your family and lifestyle, but to the local economy. Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy and in many ways it will be the small businesses that will lead the economic recovery process.

Free, U.S. small business resources
If you are located in the United States you have many free, small business resources available to you through the U.S. government. If you are looking for information about how to start a small business, the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) should be your primary resource. When you visit the sba.gov website, you'll find an almost endless selection of resources to help you start your own business whether it be a bricks and mortar shop or an online home business.

You'll find programs, tools, services and resources along with free online training on topics such as:
• Planning, Starting and Managing your business
• How to get disaster assistance
• Grants
• Find contracting opportunities
• Counseling & assistance
• Compliance, laws & regulations

You'll find access to tools such as:
• Audio and video
• Library resources
• Marketing and outreach
• Monthly web chats with transcripts to previous web chats

The SBA also has local district offices, women's business centers, U.S. export assistance centers and Veterans business outreach centers. You can locate the one closest to you by checking their website.

If you should need small business counseling, you can contact SCORE, an organization offering free and confidential business advice for entrepreneurs either online at score.org, or in person. They also offer free online workshops, and lunchtime webinars, and business e-Newsletters. SCORE is a non-profit organization in partnership with the SBA.

Local small business development center
Your local small business development center is another free resource that is available to you when you are developing a home business startup. The SBA website can provide you with the location of your closest center. You can check your local SBDC website to request their schedule of workshops and classes. You can call and make an appointment to talk to a small business counselor to discuss your business plans and get free advice.

Local chamber of commerce
Most major cities and even small towns will have a Chamber of Commerce. Local chambers of commerce are independent organizations that anyone can start anywhere. Traditionally, the local chamber of commerce serves as a trade and professional organization for a particular city or town. They often meet monthly providing a great opportunity to meet with other local small business people to network.

Local merchant's association
Some cities and towns also have a local merchant’s association where the business people get together to meet and network, share resources and ideas and plan events and promotions.
When you are planning your home business startup within the U.S., be sure to check out these free small business resources that can help you build your business.

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