THE COMMON TABLE
Find a useful resource, a different perspective, or the right kind of outside help.
Service
SCORE (Matching network)
Volunteer mentors offer individual business guidance. You can browse mentor profiles or request a match for your question.
Keep in mind: Mentors guide you; they do not take over your work. Match and availability depend on your needs and the mentor.
Book
Bo Burlingham (Author)
Accounts of companies choosing goals beyond continual size growth.
Keep in mind: Reading does not include individual advice or implementation.
StartSmart Counsel (Service provider)
Ongoing legal and compliance support for startup and growth businesses.
Keep in mind: Confirm jurisdiction, conflicts, scope and fees with the firm.
StartSmart Counsel (Publisher)
A purchased collection of startup legal templates.
Keep in mind: Templates do not establish that a document fits your jurisdiction or circumstances; review separately with qualified counsel.
Michael Gerber (Author)
A book about developing business systems beyond the owner’s technical work.
Keep in mind: Reading does not include individual advice or implementation.
Noam Wasserman (Author)
Research on decisions about founders, ownership and the people building a company.
Keep in mind: Reading does not include individual advice or implementation.
Noam Wasserman (Creator) · Stanford University (Publisher)
An archived talk about early founder decisions and the people issues that can complicate building a business together.
Keep in mind: You need a current setup checklist, an agreement template, or help with an active disagreement. The examples concern startups.
Book
Rob Fitzpatrick (Author)
A practical book about customer conversations: asking about real experiences and avoiding questions that invite reassuring but unhelpful answers.
Keep in mind: You want a complete setup guide or someone to evaluate the idea for you.
Podcast
Nick Huber (Host)
Conversations and commentary on business ownership and operations.
Keep in mind: The host has commercial interests; views and examples are not individualized business or investment advice.
David Gage (Author)
David Gage’s book on partners’ expectations, responsibilities, decision-making and working relationship.
Keep in mind: You want a quick agreement template or an advisor who will decide the terms for you.
USDA Rural Development (Program / community provider)
A guarantee program supporting participating lenders’ rural-business loans.
Keep in mind: Underwriting, rural eligibility, collateral, interest and fees apply. USDA does not promise approval through this listing.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (Program / community provider)
Business counseling, training and referrals through regional VBOCs.
Keep in mind: Confirm regional coverage and eligibility for the selected program.