Mediaboss Marketing

Dont let a tight budget keep you from growing your business. These free resources can connect you with mentors, train employees and save money on software.

Whether youre just starting a new business venture, thinking about expanding your current business or taking it in a new direction altogether, coming up with the money to fund those plans is a challenge for most aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Thats where free or very affordable resources can make a big difference in turning a dream into a reality.

As pointed out by Maryalene LaPonsie at Small Business Computing, free tools and resources can save you money, but the benefits go beyond your immediate cash flow issues. The right information can save you or your employees from making avoidableand expensivemissteps along the way. And just as important, it can teach you to recognize and take advantage of growth opportunities. These three information-rich resources can help.

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SCORE a Trusted Advisor

Could you use a mentor, someone whos been in the business trenches, and someone who knows how to avoid the pitfalls and capitalize on the opportunities? Forget high-priced consultants (you cant afford them anyway). You need a mentor. One of the best, free mentoring resources for anyone who wants to start, grow or expand a business is an outfit called SCORE the Service Corp of Retired Executives.

This national group of more than 340 chapters encompasses 13,000 working and retired business professionals. Their collective expertise spans 62 industries and 500 skills. SCORE also offers affordable workshops and free online tools and templates.

Basic Training and Beyond

Aspiring and current small business ownersand their employeescan often use training to learn or sharpen the skills necessary to build and grow a business. Through its Small Business Technology and Development Centers, the Small Business Administration offers a range of free workshops and training sessions. Topics vary depending on location, but can include workshops on how to start a business, how to write a business plan, financial management, marketing and the ins and outs of applying for business loans.

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Take Advantage of Free Resources to Grow Your Business