Free and low-cost mentoring is available through SBA resource partners. Small Business Development Centers offer one-on-one advising and SCORE offers volunteer mentors. Training is also run by community colleges, libraries and chambers. Bring specific questions and your numbers to an appointment. Rules vary by state and city, so confirm requirements with the official agency.
Where can I find business mentoring?
SBA resource partners like SCORE and Small Business Development Centers offer free or low-cost mentoring. Mentors can help with planning, marketing, finances and growth questions.
What can an SBDC help with?
SBDCs offer free one-on-one business advising and low-cost training on planning, marketing and operations. Find your nearest SBDC through the official directory.
What can SCORE help with?
SCORE offers free mentoring from experienced volunteers, plus workshops and templates. You can request a mentor online and meet in person or virtually.
Where can I find local training?
SBA local assistance, SBDCs, community colleges, libraries and chambers of commerce run training. Many programs are free or low cost; check schedules regularly.
What should I bring to a counseling appointment?
Your plan or idea summary, numbers you have, specific questions and any documents relevant to your questions. Write down your top three questions to make the most of the session.
Where can veteran owners find support?
The SBA lists programs for veteran-owned businesses, including Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Check eligibility details on the official program pages.
Worked example
Rosa plans to open a bakery and feels overwhelmed. She finds her nearest Small Business Development Center through the official directory and books a free advising session. She brings a one-page summary of her idea, rough startup costs from three equipment quotes and her top three questions: how to price wholesale orders, whether to rent a commercial kitchen, and how to estimate monthly costs. The advisor walks her through a cost worksheet and points her to a local workshop on food business licensing. A month later she requests a SCORE mentor who once ran a café, and they meet monthly by video. Rosa keeps notes from each session and updates her plan after each meeting, turning advice into decisions instead of a pile of ideas.
Common questions
Where can I find business mentoring?
SBA resource partners like SCORE and Small Business Development Centers offer free or low-cost mentoring.
What can an SBDC help with?
SBDCs offer free one-on-one business advising and low-cost training on planning, marketing and operations.
What can SCORE help with?
SCORE offers free mentoring from experienced volunteers, plus workshops and templates.
Can I see a mentor more than once?
Yes. Many owners meet mentors or advisors regularly over months or years.
Sources
- SBA: Resource partners
- SBA: Small Business Development Centers
- SBA: SCORE business mentoring
- America's SBDC
- SBA: Local assistance
- SBA: Veteran-owned businesses
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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