3 Of The Most Useful Support Resource Groups For Any New Entrepreneur
It can be a really scary thought — you versus the world.
You’ve already done a brave thing by putting together a business plan and kickstarting your dream career. So no need to put more pressure on yourself by feeling like you’re all alone, right?
It’s like you’ve thrown on a superhero cape and a big beast stands in front of you.
Luckily there have been many people who have followed the entrepreneurship path and have curated groups to help people like you succeed — like your own personal super hero assembly ready to tackle the beast together.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Every organization has a main platform that acts as the one stop shop for all things focused on that topic. For entrepreneurs — the federal SBA is it.
According to the SBA website “SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.”
They have it all…
✓ Tips and Resources
✓ Training and Information
✓ Tools and Assistance
✓ Funding Options
Even if you feel like you have it all together — go to the SBA website and take a look around. They literally have everything and you’ll be surprised at new information you find. It can only help you on your road to being an entrepreneurial rockstar.
SCORE
Did someone say free?
If you’re looking to start your own business — it’s wise to take advantage of any free information or support you can get.
Luckily SCORE has many free resources for entrepreneurs.
According to the SBA “SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that is driven to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops.”
SCORE is kind of like the big brother program. You’ll get paired up with a mentor based on your needs and location — and they will help you find anything you need to help your business grow.
Not to mention, you’ll have access to…
✓ Webinars
✓ Workshops
✓ Online Courses
✓ Group Events
You can see why it’s called SCORE, right? What a “score” this is!
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
This one’s for all the little guys (and gals).
According to the NASE website “The NASE was founded in 1981 to provide day-to-day support, including direct access to experts, benefits, and consolidated buying power that traditionally had been available only to large corporations. Today the NASE represents hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and micro-businesses, and is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of its kind in the United States.”
The NASE is all about watching out for small businesses and making sure that they have just as much support as any big corporation.
They are all about Service, Community, and Information.
Although they are a dues based organization — it’s well worth it for what you’re getting in return.
✓ Resources
✓ Value-Added Benefits
✓ Legislative Advocacy
✓ College Scholarships
Not to mention a connection to the 150,000 other business owners across the country.
A seriously impressive group made just for YOU.
More Options
If you’re serious about your business and want more support — there are plenty of other organizations that can help.
There are around 3.3 Million small businesses in the U.S. today (and growing). That’s a 49% increase since 1982!
With that kind of growth, resources for entrepreneurs have never been higher. You have options when it comes to making sure you have everything you need to succeed.
It may be scary as you start out, but you’re not alone.