General business information: Business Link North Carolina is a good resource on planning, starting and expanding a business. Counseling and mentoring services: The NC Small Business Center Network (SBCN) offers free seminars, fee-based classes and more at locations throughout North Carolina. The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) provides free counseling and other services to start-ups and existing businesses in North Carolina. The national Small Business Administration (SBA) has advice for entrepreneurs across the country on starting and running a business.