Where to Find SBA Counseling and Training Resources on SBA.gov

Updated

You can find SBA counseling and training resources on SBA.gov through the Counseling entry under the site's Business resources section. That page is described as the place to "discover counseling and training resources to help your small business online, as well as live events and local SBA Resource Partners." It suits owners who are just starting out or who want to grow, and it points to both self-serve online material and in-person help.

What the Counseling section covers

Based on the SBA.gov homepage, the Counseling resource is organized around three kinds of help:

  • Online counseling and training resources — guidance and training material you can use on your own schedule.
  • Live events — scheduled sessions you can attend rather than work through alone.
  • Local SBA Resource Partners — nearby organizations that provide assistance in person.

The homepage frames this under "Get assistance," which signals it is a support channel rather than a funding or contracting program.

How to reach it

  1. Go to SBA.gov.
  2. In the Business resources area, select Counseling.
  3. Choose the format that fits your need: online training, a live event, or a local Resource Partner.
  4. Follow the "Get assistance" path on that page to request help.

Expected result: you land on a page that lists counseling and training options plus a way to connect with local partners. If you are unsure which format fits, start with the online resources and then look for a local partner for one-to-one guidance.

Where Counseling fits among the other resources

The homepage groups several distinct services, and knowing the difference keeps you from landing in the wrong place:

Need SBA.gov entry What it provides
Learning, training, mentoring Counseling Online training, live events, local Resource Partners
Money to start or grow Loans Loans, investments, surety bonds, grants
Recovery after a declared disaster Disaster Low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses
Federal contracting Certifications Certification for contracts set aside for certain small businesses
Regulatory burden Report red tape Reporting federal regulations that hurt growth
Misconduct Report fraud Reporting fraud, waste, mismanagement, or misconduct

Counseling is the right entry when your question is "how do I learn this or who can advise me," not "how do I fund this."

Common sticking points

  • Confusing Counseling with Loans. The homepage lists them as separate resources. If you need capital, the Loans page covers loans, investments, surety bonds, and grants; Counseling is for training and advice.
  • Expecting a single national office. The page explicitly includes "local SBA Resource Partners," so the practical next step is usually a nearby partner rather than a centralized service.
  • Skipping live events. Online material and live events are listed side by side; if self-paced training is not enough, check the events listing before assuming only online help exists.

The homepage does not state eligibility rules, costs, or registration requirements for counseling services, so confirm those details on the Counseling page itself before planning around them.