A directory of trusted business literacy resources.
Curated federal and nonprofit resources — free — to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders build the fluency they need to grow, hire, and succeed.
About this directory
Earth Peace Labs maintains this directory as a free public reference. The links point to federal agencies, established nonprofits, and public-sector programs that publish trustworthy, high-quality educational material about running a business.
Categories below cover the full lifecycle of business ownership — from launching and registering, to financing, hiring, contracting, and staying compliant with consumer protection law. Use this page as a starting point, not a substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice.
Inspiration and format for this directory draws on the public model of federal financial literacy resource directories such as the OCC Financial Literacy Resource Directory. We recommend it as a companion resource for personal financial topics.
Starting a Business
- SBA — Business Guide
Step-by-step help from writing a business plan to launching operations.
- IRS — Small Business & Self-Employed
Federal tax responsibilities, EIN application, and recordkeeping basics.
Business Structures & Registration
- SBA — Choose a Business Structure
Compare sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, and cooperative.
- USA.gov — Register Your Business
Federal, state, and local registration overview.
Business Banking & Capital
- OCC — Community Affairs Resource Directories
Federal resources on capital access, CDFIs, and community development finance.
- SBA — Fund Your Business
Loan programs, investment capital, and grants for small businesses.
Financial Management & Accounting
- SCORE — Free Business Mentoring
Free mentors, workshops, and financial planning templates for small businesses.
- SBA — Manage Your Finances
Bookkeeping, taxes, and cash flow guidance.
Hiring, Payroll & HR
- DOL — Employer Compliance Assistance
Federal wage, hour, and workplace safety guidance for employers.
- IRS — Employment Taxes
Payroll tax deposits, employer forms, and reporting requirements.
Training & Certifications
- SBA Learning Platform
Free on-demand courses on marketing, finance, and management.
- MBDA — Minority Business Development Agency
Business development resources for minority entrepreneurs.
Contracting & Government
- SAM.gov — Federal Contracting
Register to do business with the federal government.
- SBA — Contracting Assistance Programs
8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran programs.
Consumer Protection & Legal
- FTC — Business Guidance
Advertising, privacy, and consumer protection compliance for businesses.
- CFPB — For Businesses
Consumer financial protection rules that affect small businesses.
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Know a trustworthy business literacy resource that belongs in this directory? We'd love to hear from you.
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