Build Your Business Support Team
Even if you intend to operate a sole proprietorship, a good support team helps you succeed. With the numerous decisions to be made in starting a business, having a few people that you can call on a whim sets you up for long-term success.
Key Members of Your Business Support Team
Everyone’s support team is going to look different depending on the industry and the people they trust. Regardless of how many people are on your team, most small business owners rely on expertise and advice from the following people.
Accountant
Bookkeeping and taxes are essential parts of running a business. There are a lot of software applications and services that help business owners, but having an accountant can help you answer questions and navigate new rules and taxes as they arise.
Lawyer
There is a host of federal, state, and local rules and regulations that a business must follow. Having a lawyer is a helpful resource to make sure your business is following the law and all its requirements.
Mentor
There are times you encounter a business problem that doesn't have an easy solution. A mentor can provide you with wisdom that only experience can provide. A mentor can be a former business owner or a professional who advises entrepreneurs. See below for more information on where to find a business mentor.
Specialty Advisor
In the course of running your business, expect to encounter roadblocks and challenges. Some of these challenges may be broad, but others might be focused on one area. There are a lot of businesses that specialize in helping business owners solve specific problems, whether in marketing, sales, or supply chains. Be sure to work with local organizations that may have good recommendations on specialty advisors.
Professional Development and Trainings
As a business owner, you are constantly learning and growing. Luckily for you, there are a lot of resources and learning opportunities available to business owners. Below we have outlined some common programs, but we encourage you to do some research in your local community to see if there are training opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Useful Resources
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration is a federal agency dedicated to helping small business owners be successful. The SBA has a wealth of resources and provides access to loans and capital for businesses as well.
The Learning Center is a great resource for small business owners who are just starting out and need some basic information or tutorials.
Throughout the country, often hosted in colleges and universities, are small business development centers. These centers provide business owners with information, tools, resources, and mentorship. There are centers specifically focused on supporting women, veteran, and minority business owners.
Click here to find a small business development center near you!
SCORE is a federal resource that connects business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with free business mentors and education. Many of SCORE’s mentors are retired business owners who want to give back and help other business owners succeed. We highly encourage you to speak with a mentor when you are starting out, as they provide helpful insights. They may not become your business mentor forever, but SCORE’s mentors are a great launching pad for new business owners.
Click here to find a mentor near you!
State Resources
Most states have departments, organizations, and resources focused on helping entrepreneurs and small businesses. These resources often provide specific information on the rules and regulations of that state and how businesses can get started. We would recommend looking at your state here and seeing what resources are available to you.
Many counties and cities have resources and organizations focused on supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. These organizations may be local
economic development corporations or
Main Street organizations. Similarly, many local nonprofits and organizations may offer training and resources. Be sure to research your local community to see what is available to you.
Business Organizations and Associations
Throughout the United States, there are organizations dedicated to helping businesses thrive. We would encourage you to check out these organizations and think about joining, as they provide community and resources that help you succeed.
Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of commerce help businesses connect with their community, provide resources, and advocate for businesses with the local government. Traditionally, these organizations have been chambers of commerce and organized at the local level. The United States Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for businesses, but your state, city, or town likely has a chamber as well. Find your local chamber here.
Diverse Chambers of Commerce
Out of the US Chamber of Commerce network, there are chambers of commerce focused on bringing together minority entrepreneurs and business owners. Be sure to check out some of the national organizations below! If you would like to have your organization listed here, please reach out to communications@publicprivatestrategies.com.
Businesses Associations
At the national and local level, there are business associations that bring together business owners around a central identifying factor. These associations are often organized by industry or identity and provide specific information and resources tailored to their community. If you would like to have your organization listed here, please reach out to communications@publicprivatestrategies.com.
Be sure to check out some of the national organizations below!
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
National Association for the Self-Employed
Now that you have all the pieces of your team, it is time to put things in action.
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