BUSINESS FORUM · LEARN & CONNECT
Learn, join events and meet other owners.
Pick what you need now: a free lesson, a GMA event, official government program information, or listings posted by members.
General information only. Links and listings change. GMA does not check listings, providers or opportunities, and cannot promise results.
Your choices
Learn, take part, look around.
Learn a skill
Free GMA Academy lessons picked for business questions.
Open Academy →See Forum events
GMA events marked for the Business Forum.
Open Events →View listings
Listings posted by members. Use your own judgment.
Browse listings →Read a guide
Go back to a step-by-step guide if you are still unsure.
Open the guide →About events: The Business Forum events list is part of the main GMA Events calendar. An event shows here only when it has been marked as a Business Forum event.
Government help for small businesses (official websites)
These links go to official government websites with current program information. GMA does not check whether you qualify, does not recommend a lender, investor or adviser, does not apply for you or certify your business, and cannot promise a loan, grant, contract, funding or any result.
SBA loans
Read about loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) before you talk to a lender or qualified adviser.
Read SBA loans →Local help
Find local help near you: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) and other official partners.
Find SBA local assistance →MBDA Business Centers
Help for minority-owned businesses to grow, find funding, win contracts and reach new markets.
Explore MBDA Business Centers →SBA certifications
Read about the women-owned (WOSB), 8(a), HUBZone, veteran-owned and other certifications for government contracts. Each one has its own rules.
Review SBA certifications →Treasury SSBCI
Find the State Small Business Credit Initiative program and contacts for your state, territory, D.C. or Tribal nation.
Explore SSBCI →SBA grants guidance
The SBA says it does not give grants to start or grow a business. Only a few special programs offer grants. Read this before you look for grant money.
Read grants guidance →
