Next Steps

There are many organizations that can help you start a business. They may have classes, help you individually, provide you with business-planning software, or refer you to experts who can help. Here are some good places to start:

• Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has created Small Business Development Centers throughout the country that provide management assistance to people who have or want to start small businesses.
• The Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (AZRSA). AZRSA offers assistance and services that can help you start a small business, including business coaching, help with savings programs, business coaching, and even funding for one-time capital expenses. To apply for services, call or visit a vocational rehabilitation office near you.
• Organizations that support microenterprise. Here are some more organizations that can help you find microenterprise organizations:
  • The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a nonprofit that provides education, mentorship, counseling, tools, and workshops to help small businesses get started, grow, and achieve their goals.
  • The Women's Business Center (WBC) provides training, coaching, and technical assistance for small businesses whether it's with a business idea, the start-up phase, or an established company.
  • The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) supports people with disabilities, their family members, and services providers with technical assistance, consulting, and mentoring services, including help with self-employment and small business plans, such as business planning referrals, financing strategies, marketing research, disability-specific programs, benefits planning, e-commerce, independent contracting, home-based business options, and small business initiatives for disabled veterans.
  • The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) can help you find out who is providing loans, business training, financial education, and other important services for small businesses in your state.
• Web resources. Here are additional resources on the Web that have information for persons who are interested in small businesses:
  • Bplans.com features business plan software and free sample business plans, along with other expert advice.
  • Get a free copy of your credit report from the main credit reporting agencies in the U.S.
  • The IRS website has tax information and publications for small businesses. Two publications are especially helpful:
    • Publication 1518 (PDF) is a tax calendar for small businesses and people who are self-employed.
    • Publication 4591 (PDF) provides information about federal tax responsibilities and reporting requirements for small businesses.

Find an Individual Development Account (IDA) program:

• Prosperity Now offers resources and information on IDAs, including a national directory of IDA programs.
• The Assets for Independence Resource Center also has a national directory of IDA programs.

Note: There aren't as many IDA programs as there used to be. Some are still active, but it can take a bit of effort to find one that is accepting applications.