Research Guides: Entrepreneurship: National Resources

Financial Assistance

International Business Innovation Association (InBIA)
nBIA is a global non profit organization that has welcomed and supported entrepreneurial organizations for over 30 years. Serving a diverse group of entrepreneurship centers, program managers, directors and policymakers, they help guide, mentor and develop sustainable entrepreneur support programs in every industry and demographic around the globe.
Small Business Investment Company
An SBIC is a privately owned company that’s licensed and regulated by the SBA. SBICs invest in small businesses in the form of debt and equity. The SBA doesn’t invest directly into small businesses, but it does provide funding to qualified SBICs with expertise in certain sectors or industries. Those SBICs then use their private funds, along with SBA-guaranteed funding, to invest in small businesses.
Small Business Investor Alliance
Members provide vital capital to small and medium sized businesses nationwide, resulting in economic growth and job creation.

Support Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration
THE online resource for learning about, starting, financing and managing a business in the United States.
SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. SCORE provides mentoring, counseling, business tools and workshops and webinars. Most services are free or quite inexpensive.
BusinessUSA
BusinessUSA is a one-stop shop website for all US federal agencies that contribute to business and economic growth, from the Department of Agriculture to the White House. Enter your zip code for local resources as well.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing greater access to education, capital and business support services. 10,000 Small Businesses is funded by Goldman Sachs and the Goldman Sachs Foundation.

Organizations to Help with Networking, Mentoring, & Education

American Association of Franchisees & Dealers
The AAFD acts to educate the public regarding fair franchise practices and quality franchise opportunities, as well as to ensuring strong and healthy relationships between corporate partners and their franchisees.
Better Business Bureau
While commonly known as a consumer-protection group, the BBB also works with businesses to promote ethical standards and trust in the marketplace.
Entrepreneurs' Organization
The EO is a global business network of 9,500+ business owners in 131 chapters and 40 countries enabling small and large business owners to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life.
Ewing Marion Kauffmann Foundation
The Kauffman Foundation works to advance entrepreneurship education and training efforts, to promote startup-friendly policies, and to understand what new firms need to start and grow.
National Association of Entrepreneurs
The NAE is a community of individuals interested in starting and growing business and non-profit organizations.
National Federation of Independent Businesses
The NFIB is a national advocacy association and joint-purchasing organization.
United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship®
The USASBE has over 1000 members from universities and colleges, for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector who share a common commitment to fostering entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors.
National Association of Women Business Owners
Represents women-owned business throughout the US. Over 70 chapters exist; find one near you.
National Minority Business Council
The NMBC is dedicated to providing business assistance, educational opportunities, seminars, purchasing listings and related services and to expand opportunities available to small, minority and women business owners.