How to start a business

If you want to start a new business, the Small Business Administration (SBA) can help. SBA’s 10-step guide explains how to plan, launch, and manage your business.

As you grow your business, it’s important to understand taxes, how to hire and manage employees, and your legal responsibilities. SBA's Business Guide can help you manage day-to-day operations and prepare for success.

Funding your small business

Businesses need money to start and grow. And they may need money to recover after a disaster. There are no federal grants for starting a business. But small business owners can get money in different ways. This includes using personal funds, finding investors, or taking out loans.

The SBA also has funding for groups such as:

• Women-owned businesses
• Minority-owned businesses
• Native American-owned businesses
• Veteran-owned businesses
• Military spouse-owned businesses
• LGBTQ-owned businesses

If you own a rural business, you can find support to start, expand, or maintain your farm or rural business. Resources include:

• SBA financing options for rural businesses
• Farm Service Agency loans for farmers or ranchers

Find local support

The SBA provides free or low-cost counseling and training. You can:

• Find support to learn new skills
• Connect with other business owners
• Apply for a loan for a declared disaster area
• Find help with government contracting, and more.

Contact SBA by:

• Calling SBA’s Answer Desk at 1-800-827-5722 or emailing answerdesk@sba.gov
• Searching SBA’s network of partners for low-cost or free services in your area

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.