Find free small business help
Find a Small Business Development Center, a SCORE mentor or a Women’s Business Center, plus veteran and government contracting assistance.
359 office and chapter listings across 50 states and DC.
Sources reviewed .
Find help in your state
- Alabama4 listings
- Alaska4 listings
- Arizona12 listings
- Arkansas4 listings
- California58 listings
- Colorado5 listings
- Connecticut6 listings
- Delaware4 listings
- District of Columbia5 listings
- Florida22 listings
- Georgia8 listings
- Hawaii4 listings
- Idaho10 listings
- Illinois6 listings
- Indiana7 listings
- Iowa4 listings
- Kansas8 listings
- Kentucky5 listings
- Louisiana4 listings
- Maine5 listings
- Maryland10 listings
- Massachusetts7 listings
- Michigan8 listings
- Minnesota4 listings
- Mississippi4 listings
- Missouri8 listings
- Montana5 listings
- Nebraska6 listings
- Nevada10 listings
- New Hampshire4 listings
- New Jersey9 listings
- New Mexico6 listings
- New York16 listings
- North Carolina10 listings
- North Dakota4 listings
- Ohio9 listings
- Oklahoma5 listings
- Oregon12 listings
- Pennsylvania9 listings
- Rhode Island4 listings
- South Carolina10 listings
- South Dakota4 listings
- Tennessee8 listings
- Texas22 listings
- Utah11 listings
- Vermont4 listings
- Virginia9 listings
- Washington11 listings
- West Virginia4 listings
- Wisconsin10 listings
- Wyoming4 listings
Choose the right kind of help
Ask for free counseling or mentoring. Some workshops and other services have fees; confirm the cost before registering.
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers help owners start, manage and grow businesses, including business planning and financing questions. State and regional network offices can connect you with a local adviser.
Business advising is free. Training may be free or have a fee.
Sources: America's SBDC: free consulting and training costs , SBA Resource Partners and VBOC directory
SCORE mentors
SCORE connects small business owners with volunteer mentors for advice on starting and running a business. Mentoring is available online as well as through local chapters.
SCORE mentoring is free. Some workshops have fees.
Sources: SCORE chapter directory , SBA Resource Partners and VBOC directory
Women’s Business Centers
Women’s Business Centers provide business advice and training, with a focus on women starting or growing businesses. Ask about business plans, financing and local programs.
Ask for free advising or coaching. Training and other programs may have fees.
Women’s Business Centers official locator
Sources: SBA Resource Partners and VBOC directory , Women’s Business Center of Utah FAQs , Florida Tech weVENTURE Women’s Business Center
Veterans Business Outreach Centers
VBOCs offer business counseling, training and referrals for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. Many centers serve several states.
Contact your regional VBOC for free business counseling and eligibility details.
APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs)
APEX Accelerators help businesses pursue government contracts, including registrations, finding opportunities and preparing bids. Native American APEX programs focus on Native-owned businesses.
APEX counseling is available at no cost. Confirm eligibility and training costs with the center.
APEX Accelerators official locator
Sources: Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity APEX Accelerator , NW Texas APEX Accelerator contacts , NAPEX Native American APEX directory
SBA district offices
SBA district offices explain SBA programs and connect businesses with local counseling partners, lenders and other assistance. Contact the office serving your county.
SBA program information and referrals are free.
SBA district offices official locator
Sources: SBA district office directory , SBA Pittsburgh District
Get free help applying
Ask whether the center can help with your application, business plan or financial projections. APEX Accelerators focus on government contracts. Services depend on your business and the center’s service area.
These listings come from official directories and organization websites. SBDC entries include state and regional network offices. Women’s Business Center and APEX office listings are a selection; use the official locators for additional offices. Confirm contact details and county coverage before visiting.