My Go-To FREE Resources

As a small new creative agency, I'm always looking for valuable resources to help us grow and thrive. Helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits grow is what we do every day at KO Creative Agency, and it's also what inspired me to start this Freebie Friday series. One of the best things about being in business today is the amount of free information and tools available. This week, I wanted to share a list of some of my absolute favorite FREE resources that have been helpful on my own small business journey.

Here are some FREE resources I've discovered and use:

• YouTube: While it might seem obvious, YouTube is a goldmine of information. Here are a few channels I recommend for business advice and tutorials.
  • Learnit Training: Offers a wide variety of software and skills tutorials, essential for any business owner managing different aspects of their operations.
  • Learn With Shopify: Perfect for e-commerce businesses or anyone considering selling online. They provide valuable insights into building and growing an online store.
  • Tool Finder: Helps you discover and compare different software and tools, often highlighting free or freemium options.
  • freeCodeCamp.Org: A fantastic resource for learning code and web development skills, which can be incredibly useful for building or maintaining your online presence.
  • Tech Hive: Provides news, reviews, and how-tos on various tech products and services, helping you stay informed about the latest tools.
  • Young Entrepreneurs Forum: Features interviews, advice, and discussions from successful young entrepreneurs, offering inspiration and practical tips.

• Pinterest: Don't underestimate the power of Pinterest! It's not just for recipes and crafts. You can find a ton of information on marketing strategies, business tips, design inspiration, and so much more. Search for boards on marketing, branding, social media, or whatever you're looking for. Remember to be selective about the information and always credit original sources – never use someone else's artwork or content as your own. For research and idea generation, it's an invaluable free tool.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA website is a hub for all things small business in the United States. You can find information on funding options (including grants and loans), guidance on government contracting, various learning resources and courses, and support for starting and managing your business. Be sure to bookmark it!
• SCORE: This resource is backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE offers a wealth of free resources, including recorded webinars on various business topics, online courses covering everything from business planning to marketing, and downloadable templates for things like financial projections and marketing plans. They also offer free mentorship, which is SO valuable!

These are just a few of the online FREE resources that I've personally found helpful. I believe that finding and using these kinds of tools can make a difference in your journey as an entrepreneur, small business owner, or nonprofit leader.

What are some of your favorite free resources? I'd love to hear about them, share your recommendations in the comments below – let's help each other grow!