With nearly a quarter of all new U.S. entrepreneurs ages 20-34 — and the same percentage of that population age in Tucson — it makes economic sense to encourage our local millennials to start a business.
Caron Beesley, frequent blogger for the SBA, promotes these government resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners start-up, grow and succeed, at.
The SBA’s Young Entrepreneur Guide (http://tinyurl.com/ketxuxp) offers information about getting started, including a free online business planning tool, training links and more. Take their free online course to walk through the steps of turning an idea into a business reality, including getting your business registered, structuring it legally, getting financing and more.
SCORE’s certified mentors offer advice and business counseling as someone who’s walked in your shoes. The Southern Arizona chapter of SCORE hosts regular workshops and free mentoring at several locations in the greater Tucson area; email mentoring@scoresouthernaz.org for specifics.
Small business development centers, veterans’ business outreach centers and women’s business centers also provide entrepreneurs with business consulting and training services. Find one near you by checking http://tinyurl.com/nb6uxrl
Despite the turnaround in the U.S. economy, many millennials are still out of work and those in under-served communities face unique challenges including higher poverty, unemployment or criminal records. Last year, the SBA and the White House partnered to launch a new initiative, My Brother’s Keeper, to help these young people harness their talents and learn entrepreneurial basics and financial literacy (http://tinyurl.com/q87xx7e).
If student loan debt is keeping you from starting a business, find out how to trim your payments through the SBA Income-Based Repayment Plan (http://tinyurl.com/kfquakt).
