Starting a new business can be both exciting and challenging. Fortunately, numerous government and nonprofit organizations in the United States offer invaluable resources to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of launching and growing their ventures. Below is a curated list of the top 20 organizations dedicated to supporting new businesses, along with detailed information about the first five.
1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Overview: The SBA is a federal agency committed to assisting small businesses through various programs, including funding, counseling, and contracting opportunities.
Key Services:
- Loan Programs: Offers various loan options to help businesses access capital.
- Business Counseling: Provides free mentoring and training through resource partners.
- Contracting Assistance: Helps small businesses secure government contracts.
Website: www.sba.gov
2. SCORE
Overview: SCORE is a nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the SBA, offering free, confidential business mentoring and training workshops to small business owners.
Key Services:
- Mentoring: Connects entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors.
- Workshops: Provides educational workshops on various business topics.
- Resources: Offers templates, guides, and tools for business planning.
Website: www.score.org
3. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Overview: SBDCs provide free business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses, focusing on business planning, financing, and marketing.
Key Services:
- Consulting: Offers personalized business advice.
- Training: Conducts workshops on topics like marketing and financial management.
- Market Research: Provides access to market data and analysis.
Website: www.sba.gov/sbdc
4. Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
Overview: WBCs are a national network of over 100 educational centers designed to assist women in starting and growing small businesses.
Key Services:
- Training: Offers workshops on business management and growth.
- Mentoring: Provides one-on-one counseling sessions.
- Access to Capital: Assists in identifying financing opportunities.
Website: www.sba.gov/women
5. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Overview: The MBDA is a federal agency dedicated to promoting the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses.
Key Services:
- Business Consulting: Provides strategic business advice.
- Access to Contracts: Helps businesses secure contracts and financing.
- Market Research: Offers data and analysis to support business decisions.
Website: www.mbda.gov
6. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
Overview: NASE provides tools, resources, and benefits to support self-employed individuals and small business owners in managing and growing their ventures.
Key Services:
- Business Grants: Offers growth grants for small businesses.
- Health Insurance Access: Provides options for affordable health coverage.
- Tax Resources: Offers tax tools and guidance for independent business owners.
Website: www.nase.org
7. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Overview: The EDA is a federal agency focused on fostering economic growth by supporting businesses and entrepreneurs through grants and regional development programs.
Key Services:
- Grant Programs: Funds projects that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Regional Support: Helps connect businesses to local development resources.
- Technical Assistance: Provides support to enhance competitiveness in local economies.
Website: www.eda.gov
8. Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)
Overview: AEO is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved entrepreneurs, particularly those in low-wealth communities.
Key Services:
- Microloans: Connects small businesses with funding opportunities.
- Business Training: Offers educational programs and mentoring.
- Advocacy: Promotes policies that support small businesses.
Website: www.aeoworks.org
9. National Small Business Association (NSBA)
Overview: NSBA is an advocacy group focused on promoting the interests of small businesses through policy efforts, educational resources, and networking opportunities.
Key Services:
- Advocacy: Represents small businesses in government policymaking.
- Resources: Provides guidance on funding, taxes, and regulatory compliance.
- Networking: Hosts events and forums for business owners.
Website: www.nsba.biz
10. Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)
Overview: VBOCs are a network of centers providing entrepreneurial development services to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
Key Services:
- Workshops: Offers courses on business planning and operations.
- Counseling: Provides one-on-one business mentoring for veterans.
- Access to Capital: Helps veterans navigate financing options.
Website: www.sba.gov/vboc
11. U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Overview: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the United States, supporting entrepreneurs and businesses with resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Key Services:
- Small Business Toolkits: Provides guides on starting and running a business.
- Advocacy: Represents businesses in government policy discussions.
- Networking: Hosts events and programs for business connections.
Website: www.uschamber.com
12. Accion Opportunity Fund
Overview: Accion is a nonprofit lender that provides small business loans and financial coaching to underserved entrepreneurs.
Key Services:
- Small Business Loans: Offers flexible financing options.
- Business Coaching: Provides personalized advice on business growth.
- Educational Resources: Hosts webinars and workshops on financial literacy.
Website: www.aofund.org
13. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Overview: LISC is a nonprofit organization that supports small businesses, particularly in underserved communities, through grants, loans, and technical assistance.
Key Services:
- Grants and Loans: Funds small businesses in need of financial support.
- Business Development: Provides training and resources for growth.
- Community Investments: Supports businesses that positively impact their local areas.
Website: www.lisc.org
14. Kiva
Overview: Kiva is a nonprofit organization that enables entrepreneurs to crowdfund loans from individual backers at low or no interest rates.
Key Services:
- Microloans: Provides loans of up to $15,000 with zero interest.
- Crowdfunding Platform: Connects entrepreneurs with a global network of lenders.
- Community Support: Encourages local and global participation in small business growth.
Website: www.kiva.org
15. Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS)
Overview: RBCS, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), supports rural entrepreneurs with financial assistance and training programs to stimulate rural economies.
Key Services:
- Grants and Loans: Offers funding tailored to rural businesses.
- Business Counseling: Provides resources to support rural startups.
- Community Development: Encourages growth in underserved rural areas.
Website: www.rd.usda.gov
16. Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
Overview: EO is a global network of entrepreneurs, providing peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help business owners scale their ventures.
Key Services:
- Peer Networking: Connects entrepreneurs to share experiences and advice.
- Mentorship Programs: Provides access to seasoned entrepreneurs for guidance.
- Educational Resources: Hosts events and webinars to support professional development.
Website: www.eonetwork.org
17. National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
Overview: NMSDC supports minority-owned businesses by connecting them with corporate members for contracting opportunities and resources.
Key Services:
- Certification: Certifies minority-owned businesses to enhance visibility.
- Corporate Connections: Facilitates relationships with large corporations seeking suppliers.
- Educational Programs: Offers training and development for business growth.
Website: www.nmsdc.org
18. Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE)
Overview: CWE is a nonprofit organization that supports women entrepreneurs with training, networking, and financing opportunities.
Key Services:
- Workshops: Provides education on business planning, marketing, and finances.
- Microloans: Offers loans to women starting or expanding a business.
- Networking Events: Facilitates connections with peers and mentors.
Website: www.cweonline.org
19. Operation HOPE
Overview: Operation HOPE focuses on empowering entrepreneurs in underserved communities through financial literacy, business training, and access to funding.
Key Services:
- Entrepreneurship Training: Provides free courses on starting and managing a business.
- Credit Counseling: Helps improve credit scores for better financing options.
- Small Business Funding: Assists with securing loans and investments.
Website: www.operationhope.org
20. International Rescue Committee (IRC) Small Business Development Program
Overview: IRC offers support to immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs in the United States, helping them start and grow businesses.
Key Services:
- Business Loans: Provides funding options for eligible entrepreneurs.
- Business Training: Offers workshops on business planning and financial management.
- Community Support: Helps immigrant and refugee business owners connect with local resources.
Website: www.rescue.org
| IncBook: Resources for New Businesses – Additional Insights | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Organization | Eligibility | Target Audience | Notable Program |
| U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) | Businesses under 500 employees | Entrepreneurs, small business owners | 7(a) Loan Program for working capital |
| SCORE | No restrictions | First-time entrepreneurs | Free one-on-one mentoring sessions |
| Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) | Small businesses in the U.S. | Startups, growth-stage businesses | Personalized market research services |
| Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) | Women entrepreneurs | Women starting or expanding businesses | Access to SBA Microloan Programs |
| Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) | Minority-owned businesses | Established minority business owners | Capital Readiness Program for scaling |
| Accion Opportunity Fund | Low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs | Underserved business communities | Flexible microloans with coaching support |
| Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) | Veterans and military families | Veterans launching businesses | Boots to Business entrepreneurial program |
| Kiva | Entrepreneurs globally | Small businesses needing microloans | Crowdfunded zero-interest loan program |
| Operation HOPE | Underserved communities | Aspiring entrepreneurs with credit challenges | Small Business Empowerment Program |
| Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) | Founders earning $1M+ in revenue | Established entrepreneurs | Global peer-to-peer learning network |
