Resources
SBA Resources for Solo and Micro Businesses
The Small Business Administration isn't just for companies with employees — a surprising amount of its guidance applies directly to a business of one.
Freelancers often assume the Small Business Administration exists for companies with storefronts and staff. In reality, a meaningful share of its free guidance applies directly to a business of one.
The SBA Business Guide
The SBA's step-by-step Business Guide ↗ walks through planning, launching, and managing a business, including choosing a business structure, registering your business, and understanding licensing requirements — all directly applicable whether you have zero employees or fifty.
Local assistance offices
The SBA funds a network of local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE mentor chapters, offering free one-on-one guidance and workshops — genuinely useful for a freelancer wanting a knowledgeable second opinion without paying consulting fees.
Funding and loan programs
While SBA loan programs are more commonly associated with larger small businesses, some freelancers use SBA-backed microloans for equipment or working capital as their business grows — worth researching if a specific growth need arises, even if it isn't relevant to a typical solo operation day to day.
Free online learning center
The SBA's online learning platform offers free courses on topics like business plan writing, marketing, and financial management — a legitimate, no-cost alternative to paid courses covering similar fundamentals.
Free Agent Finance Editorial Team
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