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Find the right help for what comes next.

Tell SMB what you need help with. It helps you work out who to call, what to bring and where to find free help near you.

Start with the question on your mind.

Owners ask SMB things like these. It suggests who to call first and what to have ready.

  • QuickBooksMy books are a few months behind and taxes are due in April. Who should I call?
  • QuickBooksI want a loan to open a second location. Where do I start?
  • SquareSales have been flat all year. Who can help me grow?
  • GustoI’m hiring my first full-time employee. What should I set up?
  • Google DriveI want to sell in about two years. Who do I need?
  • Google DriveMy landlord wants to change our lease. Who should look at it?
  • Google DrivePut last year’s tax returns in one folder for my accountant.
  • Is there free business advice near me?
  • QuickBooksWho should check my numbers before I meet a lender?
  • GmailDraft an email to my accountant with my questions.
  • Is there a free mentor who knows restaurants?
  • Google DriveWhat should I bring to my first meeting with a broker?

Works with QuickBooks, Square, Gmail and the other apps you already use. See what SMB connects to.

Walk in prepared. Share only what they need.

Good help starts with good context. Bring the few things that matter, and give each person access to just their part.

  • Access to your books, so they see the same numbers you do.
  • Last year’s tax returns, business and personal if you file together.
  • Your questions, written down. Meetings go faster when the list comes first.
See how sharing works
Juniper GoodsTeam · 3 people

Add Jamie, my accountant, so she can review our numbers.

SMB

Here’s what to set for Jamie. You send the invite from Team settings.

Jamie OrtizAccountant · Cedar Ledger
RoleMember
Adds or removes peopleNo, admins do
Your business detailsOnly what you share
Invite byEmail or a one-use link
Change or removeAny time
Nothing is shared until you send it.Invite

What each kind of help does.

Not sure who to call? Here’s who does what, and when to reach out.

Find an accountant near you

  • Bookkeeper

    Keeps the books current: sales, bills and bank matches. Call when the books are behind or eat your weekends.

  • Accountant or CPA

    Reads your numbers, plans for taxes and signs off on returns. Call before a big decision, a loan or tax season.

  • Business attorney

    Contracts, leases, business structure and disputes. Call before you sign something you can’t easily undo.

  • Lender or banker

    Loans, lines of credit and equipment financing. Call when you know what the money is for.

  • Business broker

    Values, markets and sells businesses. Call a year or more before you want to sell.

  • SBDC adviser or SCORE mentor

    Your local Small Business Development Center offers no-cost advising, and SCORE offers free mentoring. Call when you don’t know who to call yet.

Before you reach out.

How do I find a small business advisor near me?

Start with what you need help with, then find who does that work. Your state’s Small Business Development Center, a SCORE mentor or the SBA’s local office can be a free first stop. Or tell SMB what you need, and it suggests who to call first.

What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

A bookkeeper keeps the books current every month. An accountant or CPA reads the numbers, plans for taxes and can sign off on returns. Many small businesses use both.

Find an accountant near you

Is there free help for small business owners?

Yes. Small Business Development Centers offer no-cost advising, SCORE offers free mentoring from volunteer business mentors, and the U.S. Small Business Administration can point you to its offices and partners near you.

How do I check an advisor’s credentials?

Look them up with the licensing board or professional register for their field, then confirm their services fit your situation. For tax help, the IRS explains the different kinds of tax preparers and how to check them.

What should I share with an advisor first?

Start with your goal and a short summary of the question. Agree on confidentiality before you share private records, and never send passwords.

Who should I talk to before applying for a loan?

Your accountant first, so the numbers are ready. Then a lender. A Small Business Development Center adviser can also help you prepare at no cost.

Get ready for a loan

When should I talk to a business broker?

Usually a year or more before you want to sell. Bring in an accountant even sooner to plan for the taxes on a sale.

Get ready to sell

Is this a list of recommended providers?

No. This page explains the kinds of help and how to prepare. It isn’t a ranked directory or an endorsement. Check qualifications, scope, fees and fit directly.

Tell SMB what you’re working on.

Say it the way you’d say it to a friend. SMB asks what it needs to know, then helps you line up the right help.