Finding and Attracting Investors

Understand the benefits and process for seeking investors.

Funding Programs

Loans, Investment Capital, Disaster Assistance, Surety Bonds, Grants

Fund Your Business

It costs money to start a business. Funding your business is one of the first — and most important — financial choices most business owners make.

Prepare for emergencies

Disasters can take many forms and the financial cost of rebuilding after a disaster can be overwhelming. You’ll be in a better position to recover and continue operations should disaster strike.

Entrepreneurs Need to Prepare for Natural Disaster

Disaster Assistance

The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.

Market Research

Identify your customers and start developing your marketing strategy.

Understanding Your Customer

Discover resources that will help you understand your customer and increase sales.

Market research and competitive analysis

Market research helps you find customers for your business. Competitive analysis helps you make your business unique. Combine them to find a competitive advantage for your small business.

Expand to new locations

Once you’re ready to expand, update the marketing plan and confirm that your business is financially prepared. Then, make sure to comply with all laws, rules, and regulations in the new business locations.

Office of Investment and Innovation

SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation leads programs that provide the high-growth small business community with access to two things: financial capital and R&D funds to develop commercially viable innovations.

Stay safe from cybersecurity threats

Cyber attacks are a growing concern for small businesses. Learn about the threats and how to protect yourself.

Ascent

A free learning platform for women entrepreneurs. Recruit, hire, and retain the right people with these smart strategies.

Marketing 101

Define marketing and understand its vital role in the growth of your business.

Recruiting and Retention

Establish a basic payroll structure to help you hire employees. Then, manage employees properly with a general understanding of state and federal labor laws.

Generation Z

Recruit, hire, and retain the right people with these smart strategies

Stay legally compliant

Keep your business compliant with state and federal business laws. Your legal responsibilities will depend on your business and location.

Buying a Business

Decide if buying a business is right for you.

Buy an existing business or franchise

Starting a business from scratch can be challenging. Franchising or buying an existing business can simplify the initial planning process.

Social Media Marketing

Use social media to help increase sales of your product or service.

Calculate your startup costs

How much money will it take to start your small business? Calculate the startup costs for your small business so you can request funding, attract investors, and estimate when you’ll turn a profit.

10 steps to start your business

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Scroll down to learn about each step.