Starting a business? Do you have a million questions? Here are a few places where you can get a million answers, and it may cost you nothing!

START WITH THE SBA
Begin your search by looking up the phone number of your nearest SBA office (Small Business Administration), and give them a call. Their budget doesn't permit them to hire the resources to directly address every one of your questions, but they do have their finger on the pulse of others who CAN and WILL help you—for FREE!

Think of the SBA as a clearinghouse for information and services, not as a supplier. For example, you cannot borrow money directly from the SBA, but they will put you in touch with the banks in your area than make SBA BACKED loans. Here are a few of the many specialized services available to you through the SBA.

SCORE
The first and most important SBA help source is SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives). Retired executives voluntarily staff SCORE. These men and women have a wealth of information to share, and they are willing to help you in any way possible. They are ex-bankers, lawyers, executives, financial analysts, accountants, consultants, advertisers, marketers, and a whole lot more. You may have to travel to another city to visit with them, but the information you will receive will be extremely valuable, and it will be current! These people keep up with their profession! They often offer low-cost classes designed to answer questions relative to starting a business where they bring in current local experts to help you.

SBDC
The second SBA help source is through a SBDC (Small Business Development Center). Since these centers go by different names in different places, and are supported by colleges, vocational schools, chambers of commerce, city services and the like, you will have to ask your SBA how to get in touch. Free or very low cost help is available on a wide variety of subjects from experienced people. You will receive one-on-one help.

SBA ON-LINE
The third source is through your computer using SBA On-Line on the Internet. You will find answers to many of your questions about most any business problem from finance to business planning. Explore this site at www.sba.gov.

OTHER SOURCES
In addition to the above, there are other sources you may wish to explore. Try these!

• Search Engines
  While you are on line, type ‘Small Business’ in your search engine and see what pops up. Many websites offer help for small businesses, but I’d suggest you not spend any money with these until you thoroughly check them out—there are far too many free sites!
• Internal Revenue Service
  Get to know the people at your IRS public information office (That's right, the Internal Revenue Service). You will discover the IRS is eager to help you comply with the tax laws, and will do most anything to keep you from incurring a fine or penalty. Most IRS offices present regular workshops on small business tax matters that are better than anything else I've found on the market. You don’t have to give your name, business, or anything else to attend these classes. Make no mistake, if you do it wrong, they’ll come and get you, so do this!
• Chamber of Commerce
  Check with your local chamber of commerce. Many chambers have a small business assistance group, or can refer you to one that is either free or low cost. Big city chambers sometimes have a staff member devoted to helping with problems just like yours! You will not have to join the chamber, but they will probably exert just a wee bit of pressure, so be ready for it. In small communities you should join; the camaraderie is worth the cost.
• Your Bank
  Finally, don't forget your banker. You’re going to need a source of money as you grow, so this is the time to make the connections. Don’t ask anything more than the name of the bank’s commercial loan officer from the ‘Vice President’ or ‘Loan Officer’ at your local branch, they usually have no power to help, being more facility managers than money managers. Get the name of the ‘Commercial Loan Officer’ at the main office and make an appointment to speak with him or her. They have worlds of financial information at their fingertips, and they are eager to share!