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Local Business Assistance Agencies

The best local agencies for help starting a business in the US (as of February 2026) are primarily government-backed or partnered networks that offer free or low-cost counseling, training, mentoring, business planning, funding guidance, and compliance support. These are accessible nationwide through local offices or chapters, making them highly practical for new entrepreneurs.The top recommendations focus on SBA-affiliated resources, which are widely regarded as the most reliable, comprehensive, and effective based on their scale (nearly 1,000+ locations), client impact (e.g., billions in capital accessed), and consistent praise across sources.

1. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)The #1 go-to for most people starting a business.

  • Why best: Provide free, confidential, one-on-one counseling from experienced advisors (often former entrepreneurs), plus low-cost workshops/training on planning, marketing, financing, operations, and more. They help with market research, business plans, loan prep, and connecting to local resources/grants.
  • Reach: Nearly 1,000 centers across all states/territories, hosted by universities, colleges, or economic agencies.
  • 2026 highlights: Delivered massive ROI (e.g., 10x return, $5.53B+ in client capital in recent reports).
  • How to access: Search by ZIP code at americassbdc.org/find-your-sbdc or sba.gov/local-assistance. Examples: Maryland SBDC, NC SBTDC, etc.

2. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)Excellent for personalized mentorship.

  • Why best: Free volunteer mentors (retired executives) offer guidance on startups, strategy, pitfalls, and growth. Includes webinars, templates, workshops, and local chapter events.
  • Reach: Thousands of mentors nationwide via local chapters.
  • Best for: Hands-on advice, reviewing plans/pitches, and ongoing support.
  • Access: score.org – find a mentor or chapter by location.

3. Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) – If You're a Veteran, Service Member, Spouse, or Reservist Specialized and highly effective for veteran entrepreneurs.

4. Women's Business Centers (WBCs)Targeted support for women entrepreneurs.

5. Other Strong Local Options

  • SBA District Offices — Oversee regional support; find via sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/sba-district-offices.
  • Local Chambers of Commerce — Networking, events, local regs/info, and sometimes grants/connections. Search via uschamber.com/co/chambers.
  • State/Local Economic Development Agencies — Often offer grants, incentives, incubators (varies by state; check your state's commerce/economic dev site).
  • APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs) — For government contracting help.

Quick Comparison Table

Agency/Network Best For Cost Key Services How to Find Local Office
SBDCs General startups, comprehensive help Free counseling/low-cost training Business plans, financing, marketing ZIP search on americassbdc.org
SCORE Mentorship & advice Free One-on-one mentors, workshops score.org (local chapters)
VBOCs Veterans/military families Free/low-cost Specialized training, certification SBA ZIP search for VBOC
Women's Business Centers Women entrepreneurs Free/low-cost Gender-focused counseling/training SBA resource partners search
Local Chambers Networking & community ties Often membership fees Events, local leads, advocacy uschamber.com/co/chambers

2026 Tips:

  • Start here: Enter your ZIP code on sba.gov/local-assistance/find to pull up the closest SBDC, SCORE, VBOC, etc.—it's the fastest way to personalized local help.
  • These are free/non-dilutive—no equity given up—and often connect you to grants/loans (e.g., SBA programs).
  • Combine them: Many entrepreneurs use SBDC for planning + SCORE for mentoring + VBOC if veteran-eligible.
  • For state-specific grants (e.g., CA, MD, NY), check your state's small business portal or Grants.gov.