Starting and running a small business can be a daunting task, but there are many local resources available to help you succeed. If you are a small business owner, you may be wondering how to access local resources that can help you grow and thrive. Whether you need funding, training, networking, or advice, many organizations and programs can support your entrepreneurial journey. Here are some of the local resources for small business owners that you should know about:

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

These are centers that provide free or low-cost consulting and training to small businesses on topics such as business planning, marketing, financing, and more. SBDCs are funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and are located in every state and territory.

SCORE

This is a network of volunteer mentors who have experience in various industries and fields. SCORE offers free online and in-person mentoring, workshops, webinars, and other resources to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)

These are centers that provide training, counseling, mentoring, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs. WBCs are also funded by the SBA and are designed to address the unique challenges and needs of women in business.

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

This is an agency that promotes the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses. MBDA offers access to capital, contracts, markets, and strategic partnerships through its network of business centers and partners.

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)

These are centers that provide entrepreneurial development services to veterans, service members, and their spouses. VBOCs offer training, counseling, mentoring, referrals, and other resources to help veterans start and grow their businesses. VBOCs are also funded by the SBA and are located in various regions across the country.

Association of Entrepreneurship, USA, (AFEUSA)

If you’re not already a member, consider becoming a member of a trade association such as AFEUSA that helps upcoming entrepreneurs as they are getting started. As a member of AFEUSA, you can access resources that provide mentorship, programs and services that help assist entrepreneurs in starting out and furthering along the success of their small business ventures.

These are just some of the local resources for small business owners that you can take advantage of. By leveraging these resources, you can gain valuable knowledge, skills, connections, and opportunities that can help you achieve your business goals. The local resources available to small business owners are crucial to their success. These resources can provide valuable knowledge, skills, connections, and opportunities that can help businesses achieve their goals.