Scattered across the country are more than 900 Small Business Development Centers. These offices are usually affiliated with community colleges. The sole purpose of the SBDC is to assist small business owners. They offer many free services and classes on a variety of subjects that will maximize the chances that your small business will succeed in the marketplace. Free counseling with business consultants who will help you to set goals and even to develop your personalized business plan is available for the asking. Some Small Business Development Centers even offer business incubation for a nominal cost. Business incubation will allow you to share an office, office equipment and even secretarial assistance with other start-up companies in office space provided by the SBDC. If you are building a business around your invention, taking advantage of the business incubation services offered by the SBDC will allow you to save substantial amounts of initial cash outlay when your income is likely to be at its lowest.

Small Business Development Centers can also provide information and guidance on how to apply for and obtain Small Business Administration loans through your local bank or credit union.