Business planning, advice, and research can set you on the right path to success. Many businesses choose to use an individual business consultant to assist in the business planning phase. But there are also free government and nonprofit organizations. Here is a list with links:

• SBA U.S. Small Business Administration
• Maine District of SBA SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. They can also connect you to partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.
• SCORE is a network of entrepreneurs, business lenders and executives, who volunteer as mentors to the small business community helping entrepreneurs start businesses, grow companies and create jobs in local
  communities.
• Maine SBDC Maine Small Business Development Center. Providing no-cost, confidential business advising to help entrepreneurs in the creation, growth, and success of their small businesses.
• Women’s Business Centers, if applicable. The CEI Women’s Business Center is a home for women who want to start or grow their own business in Maine.
• Veteran’s Business Outreach Center (VBOC), if applicable. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business.
• Maine Small Business Advocate The Bureau of the Special Advocate exists to assist Maine small businesses. Maine’s Small Business Advocate serves as an independent voice for Maine small businesses within our state.
• Maine Department of Economic and Community Development – Business Answers
• Internal Revenue Service Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
• B-Corps: A strong and supportive community of benefit corporations exists in Maine and more widely around the United States, and many involved with benefit corporations are ready and willing to assist others in exploring whether this designation is right for their organization or entrepreneurial idea.
• U.S. Census data Here you will find detailed statistics about U.S. businesses that are essential to help small businesses succeed and grow.