Where is the best place to get free help starting your own home business? Would you believe that it is the government of the United States? The Small Business Administration is one of the best resources available to a new home business owner. A visit to their website will show easy-to-understand articles on start-up costs, calculators to help you determine your tax liability, and access to invaluable support groups, forums, and information for anyone starting or running a business from home. These are some of the services you will find at the SBA.

Free consultation on business plans for startups

The business plan is one of the most important tools you have. It can help you get loans, attract investor attention, and leverage existing funds. Your local Small Business Administration office has experienced entrepreneurs who will help you prepare a business plan and offer other tips for starting your business from home, free of charge.

Free Precertification for Home Business Loans

The Small Business Administration ‘guarantees’ loans to certain small businesses, including home-based businesses. They don’t loan you money themselves. Instead, they offer a guarantee to the loan company or bank that they will be repaid if you default on the loan. An SBA employer will review your business plan and credit history to help you decide if you have a good credit risk. If you think your business has a good chance of taking off, the SBA will pre-certify your business for a loan. It is not a guarantee to you that you will get a loan, but it is unusual for a business that has been pre-certified by the SBA to have trouble finding financing.

Free mentoring, especially for women

The SBA offers several programs that are intended to help women overcome the unique problems faced by female-owned startups. Everyone has heard of the old man’s network. Women don’t have that option, but they do have roundtable support groups and a matchmaking service offered by the Small Business Association to help them find a mentor already working in their field. The SBA website should be one of your first stops if you are a woman looking to start or expand a home business.

Other free resources for startups from home

Also on the SBA website, you will find the government gateway to bidding for contracts offered by the US government and the latest postings for contracts, grants, and other money that is available for home and other small Business. You’ll also find a wealth of other information, including step-by-step instructions on how to incorporate your business, what your health insurance options are as a freelance business owner, and much, much more.

When you are starting a new home business or looking for a loan to expand one, you need to make use of all possible resources available. The Small Business Administration is one of the most valuable resources you will find. For more information on business plans, mentors, contracts, and more, visit the Small Business Administration website at http://www.sba.gov. It’s all free – the best price for your home business.