Small Business Administration

• Small businesses can receive help getting started from the federal government.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  The United States Small Business Administration provides a comprehensive guide to individuals who want to start a small business. The SBA begins with comprehensive questions for those thinking about starting a business, then leads individuals through the process of assessing their interest, creating a business plan and then implementing the plan. Along the way, entrepreneurs are referred to local resources where additional information and assistance can be provided. The SBA also sponsors various loan programs to assist with start-up and operating costs.
  
  

Association of Small Business Development Centers

• Local small-business development centers provide live training close to home.Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  The Association of Small Business Development Centers provides links to local small-business development centers all across the United States. These local centers provide in-person training events, live online webinars, as well as self-study materials entrepreneurs can review at their own pace. The association also sponsors local conferences on various business topics and links to free online webinars and information on relevant business topics.
  
  

SCORE

• SCORE volunteers can provide individual business counseling.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  SCORE is a national organization that provides free counseling to small businesses through a network of more than 13,000 volunteers. SCORE has 364 offices that offer in-person mentoring opportunities, small-business workshops as well as online resources to assist business owners. The SCORE website offers free templates for business plans, cash flow and sales forecasts, as well as instruction on relevant business topics like determining legal structure and developing a profit and loss statement. There are also links to assessment quizzes, business blogs and e-newsletters.
  
  

NOLO: Law for All

• Legal direction can be just a click away.Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
  
  NOLO Law for All is an online database of law information, distributing software, legal forms and includes an online attorney directory. The website lists a broad range of legal information for small businesses, including many legal resources for starting a business. Links are provided to information on business planning, location and zoning needs, as well as accounting and bookkeeping basics.