THE 5 BEST PLACES TO GO FOR SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE
If you’re tired of corporate America’s rat race, becoming an entrepreneur could be your ticket out. Small business advice may just give you the knowledge and motivation you need to leave your current employment situation and start your own venture. Before taking a dramatic step into entrepreneurship, it’s wise to learn the ins and outs of starting a new small business.
Here is a list of five places you can contact for small business advice.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration offers advice for small businesses at more than 1,800 U.S. locations. The SBA delivers loans, loan guarantees, counseling sessions, contracts, and other forms of advice and assistance to small businesses.
They also offer courses covering the basics of starting, owning, and financing your own small business. If you haven’t got time to sit in a classroom, SBA.gov hosts a variety of online business courses covering a broad range of topics, such as financing, crowdfunding, business technology, and government contracting. Plus, online training classes are available 24/7.
For more information, contact the closest SBA District Office.
SCORE
Score.org is a nonprofit organization which holds online webinars and also offers local business seminars and workshops for small business owners and entrepreneurs. SCORE stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives and is an excellent source for quality advice from people who have a lifetime of knowledge and experience growing successful businesses.
Members of SCORE are retired executives or entrepreneurs who have had notable business successes. Many have experienced mistakes and failures, and have found ways to keep going and maintain a profitable business. These retired executives are prepared to share a wealth of information, experience, and advice. Connecting small business owners and entrepreneurs to mentors who can help them build a successful business is at the core of SCORE.
Small Business Forums.org
This is a big, active community of small business owners offering small business advice to others. No matter what industry you are in or your level of experience, this forum is an excellent stop for small business advice. Thousands of members discuss topics ranging from search engine optimization and social media marketing to legal and human resources. SmallBusinessForums.org is a tight-knit community of ambitious and knowledgeable entrepreneurs.
Small Biz Club
If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward blog providing advice on running a small business, check out SmallBizClub.com. Small Biz Club is a premier destination for small business owners and entrepreneurs. To be successful in business, you have to adapt to change, continually learn new things, assessing what you’re doing, and seeking ways to improve—that’s what Small Biz Club aims to help you do. From payroll processing to the latest tactic for marketing to millennials, Small Biz Club has answers to your questions.
A Small Business Advisor in Your Local Area
Nobody knows your local market as well as local small business strategists and consultants. They can provide personalized advice in a one-on-one or virtual setting. Establishing a relationship with a business advisor can be a beneficial long-term strategy. You’ll know who to call for what you need in most any circumstance. Get started by contacting a business advisor in your locality today.