Where Can Business Owners Get Free Financial Coaching?
Running a small or midsized business comes involves making a number of financial decisions, and those decisions can be the difference between thriving and not even surviving.
In a perfect world, every business owner could afford to hire a full-time CFO or a high-powered consultant. Well … it’s not a perfect world, but financial coaching is still more accessible than you might think.
Indeed, sometimes it’s even free.
A number of programs and organizations offer no-cost financial coaching and mentorship to business owners. Whether you’re looking to better manage cash flow, access funding, or simply build financial literacy, there’s likely a resource out there that can help.
Here are some of the top places to find free financial coaching for your business.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are among the most robust sources of free or low-cost support for small business owners.
Here’s a look at what SBDCs can do for you, straight from the SBA:
“SBDC Programs deliver professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. SBDCs provide problem-solving assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity and innovation.”
There are nearly 1,000 SBDC locations nationwide. You can find your local center via the SBA’s website.
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the SBA that connects entrepreneurs with volunteer mentors, many of whom are retired business professionals or former executives.
SCORE mentors can help with business budgeting, financial projections, funding strategies and more. Sessions are typically one-on-one and can be held virtually or in person. Their website includes a searchable directory of mentors so you can find someone with relevant industry or financial expertise.
In addition to mentorship, SCORE offers free webinars and downloadable templates on a wide range of financial topics.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven lenders that focus on serving economically disadvantaged communities. While they’re best known for providing loans, many also offer free financial coaching and business advisory services to their clients.
Coaching from a CDFI might include helping you get “lender-ready,” preparing cash flow statements, or understanding your business credit profile.
You can locate a certified CDFI through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund search tool.
Local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Agencies
Don’t underestimate your local chamber of commerce or economic development office. While not all of them provide financial coaching directly, many have partnerships with area professionals or organizations that do.
They may host free events, workshops or one-on-one consulting days focused on financial topics such as accounting basics, small business tax planning and accessing capital.
Check their websites for calendars and resources, or give them a call and ask about financial mentorship or small business advisory programs.
National Nonprofit Organizations
There are also national nonprofits offering financial education and coaching to small business owners:
- Prosperity Now offers financial capability programs tailored to entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.
- Accion Opportunity Fund provides financial training alongside its small business loans and tools.
- NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling) offers both personal and small business financial counseling through its network of member agencies.
These programs often specialize in helping business owners navigate debt, build financial skills or recover from setbacks like a credit issue or denied loan.
Corporate-Sponsored Financial Mentorship
Larger financial institutions and corporations sometimes offer small business mentorship as part of their community engagement or CSR efforts.
For example, Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses initiative provides in-depth training and mentorship, including financial management modules. The program is free to accepted participants. However, a bit more involved than typical coaching; participants should expect a multi-week commitment.
Other companies, such as Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, offer rotating coaching initiatives or workshops for business clients, especially those in underbanked or underserved areas.
Operation HOPE + Wells Fargo HOPE Inside for Small Business
In a joint initiative announced in May 2025, Wells Fargo and Operation HOPE introduced the HOPE Inside for Small Business program, aimed specifically at small business owners in underserved communities.
Through this partnership, business owners can access personalized, one-on-one financial coaching at no cost. Topics include credit management, budgeting, business planning, and guidance on securing capital. Coaching is provided by trained Operation HOPE financial wellbeing coaches and available through both in-person and virtual sessions.
While the program is still in the rollout stage, more locations and access points are expected to become available throughout 2025 and beyond.
Don’t Overlook Your Local University
Business schools at colleges and universities — especially those with entrepreneurship centers — often run student-led consulting programs or have faculty available to work with local business owners.
While not all programs focus on finance specifically, many MBA students and professors provide real-world analysis and help with financial modeling, forecasting and budgeting — often free or for a nominal fee.
Ready to Level Up Your Financial Strategy?
Free financial coaching is a valuable first step, but business owners facing complex financial challenges or pursuing strategic growth might need more advanced support.
McManamon & Co. is an accounting, tax, fraud, forensic and consulting firm that serves small and midsize businesses. Our experienced consulting team can support your business with strategic planning activities, creating corporate banking relationships, providing proactive year-end cash flow and tax planning, and more.
Call us at 440.892.8900 or contact us online today to learn how we can support your business growth through expert financial consulting.
| Posted in Consulting