Free Small Business Help in Spanish: SBDC, SCORE and Women’s Business Centers

You do not have to pay a consultant to prepare for a business loan. The SBA funds a national network of free advisors, and many of them speak Spanish.

Resource	What they do	Cost
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)	One-on-one advising on business plans, financial projections, loan applications, marketing. Usually hosted by universities and colleges.	Free advising; low-cost workshops
SCORE	Volunteer mentors, many retired business owners and executives. Meet in person or online.	Free
Women’s Business Centers (WBC)	Training and coaching focused on women entrepreneurs, open to all.	Free or low cost
Veterans Business Outreach Centers	Help for veterans and military spouses.	Free
Your local SBA district office	Program information and lender connections.	Free

How to use them for a loan

1. Book an advisor early, before you talk to a bank.
2. Bring your numbers: tax returns, bank statements, sales records.
3. Ask for help with: your business plan, your projections and which lenders to approach.
4. Ask for a Spanish-speaking advisor. Many centers have them; if yours does not, SCORE offers online mentors nationwide.

Find your local center

Use the “local assistance” finder on SBA.gov. In Florida, the Florida SBDC Network has centers across the state. In Puerto Rico, look for the Puerto Rico SBDC network. Our lender finder complements these advisors by showing which lenders are active in your area.

A note on paid help

Paid consultants and brokers are allowed, but you never need one for an SBA loan, and their fees must be disclosed on SBA Form 159. See SBA loan fees.

Frequently asked questions

What is an SBDC?

A Small Business Development Center: a free, SBA-funded advising center, usually hosted by a university or college.

Is SCORE really free?

Yes. SCORE mentors are volunteers and mentoring is free, in person or online.

Can Women's Business Centers help men?

Yes. They focus on women entrepreneurs but are open to everyone.