District of Columbia Small Business Assistance

Several free counseling and training programs are available to help you get started and expand your small business. These services cover all aspects of starting and running a business, from getting a loan to developing business plans and marketing strategies.

• • District of Columbia Small Business Development Center
    Free start-up advice, training and counseling services.
  • SBA Washington D.C. District Office
    Business development training programs and info on SBA loan programs.

• There are also a number of local small business centers sponsored or partially funded by SBA that help women and minorities with start-up counseling and financial assistance:

  • Washington DC Minority Business Development Center
    Free business counseling services and financial management advice.

• SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives Association), a non-profit organization and SBA partner, offers free mentoring, business counseling and low-cost workshops.

  Contact your local SCORE for small business development programs in your area:

  • Washington DC SCORE
  • Southern Maryland SCORE
  • Greater Baltimore SCORE