As you step into the role of entrepreneur, you’re going to learn countless lessons along the way. Fortunately, many have been where you are, and there are numerous resources you can use to help learn those lessons—you don’t have to learn every lesson the hard way! Get the advice and know-how you need to start your business and move it forward ahead of time from those who have gone before you.
StartupNation exclusive discounts and savings on Dell products and accessories: Learn more here
Check out these 10 valuable resources to grow your skills as a new entrepreneur and implement the correct strategies and processes from the start.
- A comprehensive guide to grants for women in business
Get the funding you need to launch your business and cover basic operating costs. This list by SMB Compass covers grants by national organizations like the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as private grants by FedEx and Cartier. The right grant can help you kick off your business and open your doors (even if they’re virtual) sooner. In addition to grants, check out these business loans for women.
- Best Facebook groups for female entrepreneurs
Social media can be a great tool for community support, questions and advice. The team at Gusto curated six quality Facebook groups for female entrepreneurs. Consider joining a few of these communities to see how they can help you grow your brand. You’ll also find a community forum for women in business right here on StartupNation.
- Ten must-see TED Talks for entrepreneurs
Sometimes you just need a quick podcast or video to inspire you to chase your dream or come up with creative solutions to frustrating problems. When this happens, turn to this list of valuable TED Talks for entrepreneurs. You’ll find case studies about other successful business owners, as well as big-picture discussions about leadership.
- The best places to find and hire freelancers
As a new entrepreneur, you may think every task and project falls on your shoulders. However, delegating is one of the most important skills you can learn as an entrepreneur, like hiring a marketing professional or taking on a virtual personal assistant.
Check out this guide for the best places to find and hire freelancers, featuring some sites you may be familiar with along with other niche websites. And if you’re not yet at a place where you’re considering hiring extra help, bookmark this article for the future!
- Change your mindset in order to build a better business
Being an entrepreneur requires knowledge in many areas of business, including mental health and mindset. Many entrepreneurs, both men and women, fall into the comparison trap, which ultimately hinders your ability to make your business all it can be. This guide provides insights on the many reasons why women often sell themselves short, the mindset shifts you can make, and how to step back into your power so you can run your business with intention and ease.
New $10K grants are available, plus free courses. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.
- The big list of small business tax deductions
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to be on top of your taxes all year long because there’s a lot you can deduct come tax time. However, as a new business owner, this may all be new to you. Use a guide like this one for small business tax deductions to be clear on what you can deduct, how much, and more. Note that having a CPA and bookkeeper is also key to ensuring you’re staying on track with taxes and deducting all that’s available to you.
- The Female Entrepreneur Association
The Female Entrepreneur Association was founded by Carrie Green in 2011 and has more than 650,000 women involved around the world. There are 5,000 private members in The Members’ Club with women building each other up and providing support. Check out this group, along with the podcast, courses and Green’s book, “She Means Business,” to see what valuable information you may learn.
- Find inspiration through books
If you prefer to curl up with a good book to learn and grow professionally, check out StartupNation’s curated list of the best business, thought leadership and startup books here.
There are also a number of national book clubs that are made for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Here’s a list of 10 online book clubs that you can join to learn about entrepreneurship and connect with other female entrepreneurs.
- Free training resources to help you learn from home
Being an entrepreneur means you’re always learning. Check out this list of 10 free resources to for continued learning that will help you prepare to take on new challenges. You can grow your professional skills ranging from digital marketing to coding to graphic design.
- ADAA-reviewed mental health apps
Even the most successful entrepreneurs will have moments of stress, anxiety and even depression. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America provides a list that can help you identify the best mobile apps for mindset, meditation, anxiety and stress. With a great tool right in your pocket, it will be easier to weather those challenging moments and get back to running your business while avoiding burnout.
Find the resources that work for you
Everyone has his or her own secret sauce for success. Some entrepreneurs tap into motivating messages, while others use financial guides and online tutorials to help them learn and grow. Find what works for you and don’t forget to share it—or your own knowledge—with other new female entrepreneurs.
