Optional · 1 of 3

Help that costs little or nothing

• SCORE (a nonprofit network of volunteer business mentors)

  Free one-on-one mentoring from retired and working business owners, supported by the SBA (Small Business Administration).

• Small Business Development Centers

  Free advising on plans, loans and taxes, usually hosted at a local college or university.

• Community college courses

  Short, cheap classes in bookkeeping, marketing and business law.

• An industry association

  Where you learn real prices, suppliers and what customers expect.