Making the decision to start a home business is easy. Getting started is the hard part. Even if you know the product or service you want to sell, you may be stuck on all the tasks involved in getting your home business up and running. Fortunately, there are many great resources, many of which are free, that can give you the information and support you need to launch your home business.

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a free resource run by the U.S. Government to provide small business information. If you have a question about starting a business, the SBA probably has information on it. It even has a special section dedicated to home business that covers topics such as buying a franchise, marketing your home business, and taxes. It even provides checklists and resources on grants and loans to start your business.

Other features of the site include trainings, video tutorials, the ability to chat with a small business expert and more in its learning center. You can also check to see if there is a district office in your are if you’d like to visit for personal help.

SCORE

In many ways, SCORE is like the SBA in that it offers a ton of information on starting a business. The difference is that SCORE support is given by retired small business owners (SCORE is an acronym for Service Corps Of Retired Executives) and has offices in cities all over the United States. Enter your city and state or zip code into the search option to find an office near you.

Or check out the articles and videos related to business structure, marketing, financing and technology at its website. Like the SBA, SCORE also has a special section on home-based business.

Local City, County, State Business Development Office

Most areas of the country strive to encourage business development, as business is a great source of revenue and jobs. As a result, many cities, counties and states have business development offices that provide information and support to starting a business in your area. These resources not only give you information you need related to starting a business in your area, such as needed permits, but also potential financing sources. Search your city, county or state plus business development (i.e. Virginia business development) in your favorite search engine for offices near you.

LinkedIn Groups

Many social networks have groups and resources with home business information, but the benefit of LinkedIn is that it’s specifically geared toward career and can create networking opportunities. There are thousands of groups to choose from, some related to home business specifically and others that cover related topics such as marketing or publicity. When it comes to work-at-home related groups, some are better than others. When you join a group, lurk a little bit to see if it offers the information and support you need. If so, begin interacting. If the group is quiet or has too many ads or spam, leave it and find another one.

Make sure you fill out a complete profile before connecting with others on LinkedIn. While you may not have a full-fledged business yet, having your photo and information about your goals will be helpful in building and benefiting from your network.

Mastermind Groups

All the previous home business resources are free, but offer some limitations. For example, you need to figure out how to use the information specific to the business you want to start. A mastermind group isn’t free, but it can offer greater specificity of help related to your business, as well as more personal assistance and feedback. There are mastermind groups for specific businesses, such as blogging or consulting, or on a related topic, such as marketing. Most groups have vast information resources that include trainings, checklists and more, plus a discussion group where you can ask questions and get feedback.

There are many mastermind groups, most of which can be found online. However, not all groups are great, so a better way to find a group is through referral. Connect with someone who is successful and ask if they belong to a group and if so which.

Coaching

Coaching is the ultimate in getting home business support. A coach works with you to help you build your specific business. Weekly or monthly sessions go over your successes and challenges, gives you feedback, and assigns homework to get your business up and running in the black. One-on-one coaching speeds up the business growth process because there is less trial and error and you have access to proven resources. Further, a coach offers accountability and a kick in the behind if you need it. Coaching isn’t cheap, but it can be worth it to get your business profitable quicker than on your own.

Finding a coach can be a challenge. You not only want one who is experienced and knowledgeable, but also a good fit personality-wise and able to assist you in your goals. Connecting with your network for referrals is the best way to find a coach.