The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free tools and resources to help massage therapists succeed in business. Support includes expert mentorship through SCORE, step-by-step courses for launching a practice, and specialized programs for women and veterans. SBA-backed loans also provide accessible funding options for startups and growing businesses. These resources are designed to make entrepreneurship more achievable and sustainable.
Key Takeaways
- SCORE offers free mentorship from experienced business professionals to help guide massage therapists through entrepreneurship.
- The SBA’s online Learning Center provides step-by-step courses on starting and growing a business, including funding and planning strategies.
- Specialized support is available for women, veterans, and military spouses through programs like Ascent and VBOC.
- Listing your business on SBA-backed directories and using their resources improves visibility and credibility.
- SBA loans, including 7(a), 504, and microloans, help massage therapists access funding for startup costs, equipment, and expansion.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers resources for massage therapists ready to take the first steps toward entrepreneurship. From detailed business-planning guides to funding guidance and assistance for female-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses, the SBA’s online platform is a valuable source of information and tools that support small-business success, for little-to-no cost.
Whether you are starting your first business or aiming to expand an existing one, these resources are available to enhance your success. In this article, we have curated a list of these essential SBA resources to empower your practice and contribute to your small-business success.
1. Mentoring Resources
SCORE is a mentoring program that matches entrepreneurs with industry experts who have experience in entrepreneurship or your given field. They are typically retired executives or seasoned business owners. Their insights can help pave the way for your own success.
In addition to mentorship, SCORE also provides a range of free online business classes, equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the business world.
2. Start-to-Finish Courses on Launching a Business
If you are thinking about starting your own massage business, wellness center or spa venture, you’ll want to check out the SBA’s “10 steps to start your business,” which covers fundamental subjects like market research, business planning, funding and location selection; this outline can serve as a roadmap of the necessary steps for launching your business.
The SBA’s online Learning Center takes it a step further with user-friendly video tutorials. These detailed guides walk you through each step, providing advice and links to additional resources.
For instance, the Financing Your Business tutorial explains financing options from angel investors to SBA loans, crowdfunding and grants (both SBA and non-SBA). This resource helps you think outside the box of traditional funding and discover what resources are available for your business.
3. SBA Resources for Women and Veterans
In a move to support women in entrepreneurship, the SBA unveiled the Ascent platform in 2021. Women are responsible for 45 percent of all U.S. businesses, employing 9.4 million workers, and generating an impressive $1.9 trillion in revenue across various industries.
This learning platform equips entrepreneurs with essential tools. From data to an online educational community, it bridges the gap between novices and seasoned industry leaders. Best of all, this resource is entirely free and covers topics from employee recruitment to navigating government contracts.
The SBA goes beyond its online resources, with centers across the U.S. providing in-person support for women, veterans and military spouses. Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) offer cost-effective business training, aid in grant and loan applications, and provide established businesses with guidance on federal contracting. With WBCs spanning the nation, locating one near you is easy: Simply enter your ZIP code on the Ascent platform.
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is dedicated to equipping veterans, active military and military spouses with entrepreneurial training, counseling and cooperative support. Its Boots to Business initiative is meant for transitioning service members and their spouses from a lifestyle of military service to civilian. To find a nearby VBOC, visit the VBOC page online and enter your ZIP code on the VBOC locator page.
4. SBA Loans
SBA-backed loans play an important role in helping business owners secure funding by matching entrepreneurs with lenders. There are three key types of SBA loans: 7(a), 504 and microloans.
The 7(a) loan is the primary, providing loan guarantees to lenders and can be used for a range of purposes, from refinancing to equipment purchases and real estate improvements.
The 504 loan offers a stable, long-term fixed-rate option, prioritizing job creation and business expansion. Microloans, averaging around $13,000, offer support to startups, assisting with initial costs
About the Author
Aiyana Fraley, LMT, is a freelance writer and health care professional with 20 years of experience in the massage field.
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