21 Free Resources Every Small Business Should Know About in 2025

Running a small business is demanding-owners juggle everything from operations and logistics to employee management and customer service. Without the right support, these challenges can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, a wealth of free resources is available to help entrepreneurs at every stage, whether you’re just launching, looking to grow, or navigating new challenges. Here’s a roundup of some of the best free tools and programs to help your small business thrive year-round. 

Amazon Small Business Academy 

Amazon offers live events, podcasts, and on-demand classes for new and established entrepreneurs. Its Founders Table event series brings together experts and successful business owners to share practical growth strategies and industry insights-especially useful for those considering selling on Amazon’s platform. 

Trello 

Trello offers a free project management tool that uses boards and cards to help teams organize tasks and projects, enhancing productivity and collaboration. 

America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) 

With nearly 1,000 local hubs, SBDCs provide free consulting and affordable training, plus a library of infographics, checklists, and templates. They also host annual conferences and virtual summits, making it easy for business owners to access expert advice and educational events at no cost. 

Bank of America’s Center for Business Empowerment 

This knowledge hub offers personalized resources — just answer a few questions about your business to access tailored articles, guides, and videos. The Center covers everything from financing support to data security management, helping entrepreneurs at any stage take their business to the next level. 

Zapier 

This free automation tool connects different apps and automates repetitive business tasks without coding. Looking to automate workflows or integrate different operational solutions? Zapier may hold the answer. 

Google for Small Business 

A Google Business Profile can boost both physical and online visibility. Google offers free tools like Google Workspace and Google Drive, plus a wealth of information on SEO, advertising, and marketing. The Applied Digital Skills platform features free lessons on market research, business planning, and funding preparation, while the Grow with Google YouTube channel has over 250 videos on topics like project management and data analytics. 

HubSpot Academy 

HubSpot’s free and paid courses help business owners and their teams master customer relationship management (CRM), marketing, and sales. Their Website Grader tool also provides actionable recommendations to improve your website’s performance, SEO, and security. 

HR.com 

Get free access to e-learning, webcasts, and virtual events focused on human resources. HR.com also helps HR professionals pursue certifications and stay up-to-date on regulatory changes. 

IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center 

This comprehensive resource offers forms, instructions, and tips to help small businesses and self-employed individuals stay compliant with tax laws. It covers everything from starting and operating a business to handling employment taxes and deductions. 

Clover Academy 

Clover Academy offers free videos, webinars, and eBooks on business management, operations, and marketing to help owners expand their knowledge and skills. 

LinkedIn for Small Business 

LinkedIn’s resource center is packed with guides, checklists, and certification programs. The LinkedIn Pages Action Plan helps businesses build a strong online presence, while LinkedIn Learning offers over 20,000 courses on branding, hiring, and lead generation. 

Robert Half Salary Guide 

Stay competitive with Robert Half’s annual salary guide, which provides data on starting salaries, hiring trends, and in-demand skills across industries. This helps small businesses make informed decisions about compensation and benefits. 

Mastercard Digital Doors 

This program supports online businesses with articles, videos, and tools on everything from payment processing to cybersecurity. It also offers exclusive discounts on marketing, analytics, and expense management platforms. 

MIT Open Learning Library 

Access free, self-paced courses with interactive content and exercises — ideal for business owners wanting to expand into new industries or offer professional development to employees. 

National APEX Accelerator Alliance 

Connect with government contracting opportunities through the APEX Accelerator network. Local offices provide free services like business readiness assessments, certification assistance, and contract support. 

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) 

NASE offers free resources for businesses with 10 or fewer employees, including access to consultants for tax, finance, and operations questions. Members can also apply for scholarships and grants to fund business growth. 

National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) 

NFIB advocates for small business rights and provides legal resources, webinars, podcasts, networking events, and educational content. Members benefit from discounts, business insights, and a stronger voice in advocacy efforts. 

SCORE 

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) offers webinars, courses, templates, and workshops both locally and online. Their Startup Roadmap is a step-by-step guide for new businesses, and mentorship opportunities are open to all entrepreneurs. 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce 

As the largest business organization in the world, the Chamber offers virtual events, informative guides, and community networking through thousands of local chapters. Their Small Business page features weekly forecasts and expert tips. 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 

The SBA provides interactive tools, video courses, and mentoring services. Programs like Boots to Business and Empower to Grow offer training, funding matchmaking, and export assistance. The SBA THRIVE program delivers advanced training and mentorship for established businesses. 

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready 

This hub of knowledge features over 40 online courses, coaching, and funding opportunities. Entrepreneurs can access personalized support and participate in virtual and live events. 

Whether you’re seeking funding, training, marketing support, or networking, these free resources can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your business goals. Bookmark and explore these options to keep your small business resilient and ready for growth throughout the year.