Get Free Business Advice

The SBDC is a federal program funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and New York State. Their main offices locally are at Onondaga Community College with a satellite office in The Tech Garden on Harrison Street in Downtown. 

They offer a range of free advisement services on topics including: business plan development, financial management, financing strategies, cost analysis, marketing, business expansion, selling a business, and more. 

Appointments can be made directly on their website or by clicking the button below (you'll have to create a free account).

SBDC New Client Signup

WISE, an SBA-designated Women's Business Center (WBC) and NYS-designated Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC), offers a range of free to low-cost services to help women entrepreneurs start and grow thriving small businesses.

Services include no-cost one-on-one business counseling for in-depth guidance on business planning, financial projections, and strategy, as well as quick advising sessions for simpler business questions. WISE also provides webinars, business programs, and workshops tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. 

Services are available via phone, Zoom, or in-person by appointment. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit their website for more information or click the button below to schedule a 15-30 minute call.

WISE Advising Appointment Scheduler

SCORE is an SBA-funded national network organization that provides free business mentoring as well as trainings, workshops, and templates.

The SCORE process matches you with an experienced business mentor who serves as your advocate by enlisting helpful resources from across the entire network. Mentors can offer advice, guidance on best practices, planning, prioritization, and can connect you with educational resources on a wide range of relevant topics.

Finding a mentor is easy and you'll typically hear back within 48 hours. Learn more on their website and request a mentor by clicking the button below.

SCORE Mentor Request Form

The VBOC is yet another SBA program run specifically for veterans, service members (including National Guard and Reserve members), military spouses, and family members. The VBOC covering New York State is the McNulty Veteran Business Center, located in the Albany area. 

The VBOC offers a variety of programs related to starting and growing a business, including transition assistance programs, mentorship, business plan preparation, and feasibility analysis.

The local contact is Amy Amoroso who can be reached by phone (518-326-6328) or email (aamoroso@mcnultycenter.org). Learn more on their website or schedule an appointment by clicking the button below (you'll have to create a free account).

VBOC New Client Signup