Small Business Funding Resources
A curated collection of trusted resources including SBA, Grants.gov, SAM.gov, business credit bureaus, and free tools to support your small business funding journey.
Government Resources
Official government agencies that provide free resources, guidance, and funding programs for small businesses.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The primary federal agency for small business support. Offers loan programs, counseling, contracting opportunities, and educational resources.
SBA: Fund Your Business
Official SBA guide to funding options including loans, grants, venture capital, and crowdfunding for small businesses.
IRS: Apply for an EIN Online
Get your Employer Identification Number for free, instantly online. Required for business banking and credit.
SBA: Choose a Business Structure
Compare business structures (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, etc.) and understand the legal and tax implications of each.
Grants.gov
Search and apply for federal grants. While competitive, grants provide free funding that doesn't need to be repaid.
USA.gov: Start a Business
Comprehensive federal resource covering everything from business registration to funding and tax requirements.
Business Credit Bureaus
The three major business credit bureaus where your business credit profile is maintained and scored.
Dun & Bradstreet
Get your free DUNS number and monitor your Paydex score. The most widely used business credit bureau.
Experian Business
Check your Intelliscore Plus and Business Credit Score. Offers credit monitoring and alerts.
Equifax Business
Access your business credit report and scores. Used by many lenders in their underwriting process.
Nav
Free tool to check both personal and business credit scores. Also matches you with funding options.
Free Education & Mentoring
Organizations that provide free business counseling, mentoring, and educational programs.
SCORE
Free mentoring from experienced business professionals. SCORE has helped millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Free business consulting and low-cost training. Located in every state, often at universities and colleges.
Women's Business Centers
SBA-funded centers providing training, counseling, and access to capital specifically for women entrepreneurs.
Veteran Business Outreach Centers
Specialized support for veteran entrepreneurs including business plan development, mentoring, and funding guidance.
SBA Learning Platform
Free online courses covering business planning, financing, marketing, and more from the SBA.
Business Tools & Software
Recommended tools for accounting, business planning, and financial management.
QuickBooks
Popular accounting software for small businesses. Generates financial statements automatically and integrates with banks.
Wave Accounting
Free accounting software for small businesses. Great for startups and solopreneurs on a budget.
LivePlan
Business planning software that helps you create professional business plans with financial forecasting.
SBA Business Plan Tool
Free step-by-step business plan builder from the SBA. Guides you through each section of a professional plan.
Funding Directories & Marketplaces
Platforms that help you find and compare funding options for your business.
SBA Lender Match
Free SBA tool that connects you with SBA-approved lenders based on your business profile and needs.
Fundera by NerdWallet
Compare small business loans, lines of credit, and other financing options from multiple lenders.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Funding Guide
Comprehensive guide to small business funding options from the nation's largest business organization.
Minority Business Development Agency
Federal agency providing resources and funding assistance specifically for minority-owned businesses.
These resources are provided for educational purposes only. FundReady is not affiliated with any of the organizations listed above. Always verify information directly with the source and consult with qualified professionals before making financial decisions.
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