Free counseling and mentoring
The SBA supports free or low-cost advising through SCORE mentors, Small Business Development Centers and Women's Business Centers.
These programs are funded in part by the federal government and are designed for owners at every stage. Advisors help with business plans, cash flow, licensing and loan readiness.
- SCORE: volunteer mentors, many of them retired executives, offering one-on-one advice.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): often hosted by colleges, with consulting and workshops.
- Women's Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers: training aimed at those groups.
Find local offices through SBA.gov. Services and availability vary by location.
Free tax and legal guidance
The IRS and your state tax agency publish free guides for small businesses, and many states post formation and licensing instructions online.
The IRS has a small business and self-employed section with plain-language publications, estimated tax instructions and filing calendars. State revenue departments cover sales tax and payroll registration.
For formation, your secretary of state's website lists how to register an entity. Read how to register a business and small business tax deductions to prepare questions. A free guide does not replace an accountant or attorney for decisions with real money behind them.
Free planning and budgeting tools
You can build a business plan, budget and cash flow forecast with free templates and a basic spreadsheet.
A spreadsheet handles more than most owners expect. Start with a monthly cash forecast: expected money in, money out and ending balance. Our templates and walkthroughs help:
Update the forecast every month and compare it to actual results. The comparison is where you learn.
Free bookkeeping and invoicing options
Several accounting and invoicing apps offer free tiers, and a dedicated business bank account makes even a basic setup work.
Free versions usually limit the number of invoices, users or reports, but they are often enough for a sole proprietor or very small team. Compare features before you commit, since moving data later takes time.
Whatever you use, open a separate business account. It keeps records clean and simplifies taxes. See how to separate business and personal finances.
Free marketing and visibility
A free Google Business Profile, social accounts and an email list can bring in customers at no cost beyond your time.
Claim your Google Business Profile and keep hours, photos and services current. Ask satisfied customers to leave honest reviews. Build an email list from the start, since you own it and no platform can take it away.
Free search tools can show which queries bring people to your site. Pick one or two channels and do them consistently rather than spreading thin.
How to get the most from free help
Pick two or three resources, use them on a schedule and bring specific questions. Free help works best when you show up prepared.
Free does not mean effortless. A mentor can only react to what you tell them, so bring numbers: last quarter's sales, your top three costs and the decision you are facing. Write down the advice you receive and what you will do about it by a set date.
Be cautious with anything labeled free that later asks for payment, a deposit or sensitive account details. Government and nonprofit programs do not charge to apply for their counseling. If a service promises guaranteed results, walk away.
Finally, treat your own time as a cost. A free webinar that eats three hours without changing a decision is not free. Choose sources that match your stage and skip the rest.
When free resources are not enough
Free advice cannot supply capital. If a good opportunity needs cash now, compare funding options on total cost and payback.
Mentors can sharpen a plan, but they will not cover a payroll gap or an equipment purchase. When the numbers show a project will pay back more than it costs, funding can be sensible.
ROI Funder places working capital, term loans, lines of credit and more for established businesses with 6+ months in business, $20,000+ monthly revenue and 500+ FICO. Learn the basics in our guide to funding your business and compare structures before you apply. The application is online, takes a few minutes and uses a soft credit pull.
Frequently asked questions
Is SCORE mentoring really free?
Yes, SCORE mentoring is offered at no charge to business owners. Some workshops may carry a small fee.
Where do I find my local Small Business Development Center?
SBA.gov lists SBDC locations by state. Many are hosted at colleges and universities.
Can I run my books with free software?
Many small businesses do, especially at low volume. Check the free tier's limits on invoices, users and reports.
What do I do if I need funding after using these resources?
Compare options by total cost and payback period. ROI Funder offers a soft-pull application with no obligation to accept an offer.