23 Best Small Business Forums to Answer Your Questions

Navigating the world of small business can be challenging, particularly when you lack a network of like-minded professionals to bounce ideas off or seek advice from. Thankfully, the internet hosts numerous small business forums, catering to entrepreneurs and business owners worldwide. These forums can help you fill knowledge gaps, obtain expert advice, and foster a sense of community.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of 23 of the best small business forums:

1. Small Business Forum: This site allows small business owners to submit blog posts, initiate discussions, and engage in conversation on various topics, from marketing to emerging technologies.
2. Quora: While not exclusively focused on small businesses, Quora allows users to ask and answer questions on a wide range of business-related subjects.
3. Small Business Forum.net: This active message board covers topics such as starting a business, managing a business, accounting, taxes, and marketing.
4. BizWarriors: A valuable resource for connecting with entrepreneurs and business leaders, BizWarriors offers advice on planning, starting, and financing a small business, along with more specialized topics like sales, accounting, human resources, and legal matters.
5. Small Business Brief: This friendly forum covers various aspects of running a small business, particularly online, including email marketing, link building, social media management, and pay-per-click advertising.
6. CNET Small Business and Startups Forum: Focused on technology-related issues, this Q&A format forum covers topics like operating systems, software, hardware, and mobile devices for small businesses.
7. Small Business Computing and Ecommerce Forum: This forum primarily addresses computers, technology, and ecommerce issues relevant to small businesses.
8. ChefTalk: A niche forum for culinary professionals, ChefTalk covers topics ranging from cooking techniques to restaurant management.
9. QuickBooks Online Community: A helpful resource for QuickBooks users, this community addresses accounting, payroll, and financial management topics.
10. Practical Machinist: This forum is tailored to the manufacturing industry, providing a space for professionals to discuss topics like CNC machining, fabrication, and metalworking.
11. Warrior Forum: Warrior Forum focuses on internet marketing, covering areas like search engine optimization, social media marketing, and affiliate marketing.
12. Bank of America Small Business Online Community: This forum features discussions on small business loans, credit cards, and financial management.
13. Business Advice Forum: Offering advice on various aspects of running a small business, the Business Advice Forum covers topics such as marketing, finance, and human resources.
14. UK Business Forums: Geared towards UK-based small businesses, this forum covers a wide range of topics, including business planning, marketing, and legal issues.
15. StartupNation: This forum offers advice and support for startups and entrepreneurs, covering topics like funding, marketing, and technology.
16. LinkedIn Groups: LinkedIn hosts numerous small business-focused groups, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
17. Creative COW: A forum for creative professionals, Creative COW covers topics such as video production, graphic design, and web development.
18. Alignable: This platform connects local business owners and encourages networking, referrals, and collaboration within communities.
19. Reddit: While not specifically tailored to small businesses, Reddit offers numerous subreddits dedicated to entrepreneurship, startups, and small business topics.
20. Flying Solo: This Australian-based forum offers advice and support for solo business owners, freelancers, and consultants.
21. The Fastlane Forum: Catering to entrepreneurs, this forum covers topics like business strategy, marketing, and product development.
22. Women in Business Network: A forum for female entrepreneurs and business owners, the Women in Business Network focuses on topics such as leadership, work-life balance, and career development.
23. Startup
24. Small Business Forum

Quora

Although not exclusive to small business owners, Quora allows users to ask and answer questions on a wide array of business-related subjects. To get the most out of Quora, focus your search on specific topics and leverage the platform to connect with industry experts and like-minded individuals.

1. Small Business Forum.net

This active message board provides a wealth of information on starting and managing a small business, covering topics such as accounting, taxes, payroll, human resources, and financing. Both traditional and online marketing are discussed, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs.

1. BizWarriors

BizWarriors is an online forum that connects entrepreneurs and business leaders, offering general information on planning, starting, and financing a small business. Additionally, it features tailored advice on sales, accounting, finance, human resources, and legal matters.

1. Small Business Brief

Small Business Brief is a friendly forum for sharing ideas, asking questions, and supporting those involved in the small business industry. It covers various aspects of running a small business, particularly online, including email marketing, link building, social media management, and pay-per-click advertising.

1. CNET Small Business and Startups Forum

Focusing on technology-related issues, CNET Small Business and Startups Forum adopts a question-and-answer format. Users can submit questions or explore similar topics and threads, discussing operating systems, software, hardware, and mobile devices for small businesses.

1. Small Business Computing and Ecommerce Forum

Dedicated primarily to technology and ecommerce concerns impacting small businesses, the Small Business Computing and Ecommerce Forum is an excellent resource for tech-savvy entrepreneurs.

1. ChefTalk

ChefTalk is an industry-specific forum catering to the restaurant business. Despite its name, the forum caters to various roles within the food industry, offering general discussion boards, equipment reviews, and discussions tailored for culinary students entering the business.

1. QuickBooks Online Community

The QuickBooks Online Community is a question-and-answer forum operated by both QuickBooks experts and customers who share their experiences and solutions. Topics covered include company setup, accounting, sales, vendor management, taxes, and reporting.

1. Practical Machinist

As the self-proclaimed “largest manufacturing technology forum on the web,” Practical Machinist offers practical advice on business operations, shop management, and owner issues. The site also features articles and videos on related subjects.

1. Warrior Forum

Although primarily focused on Internet-based businesses, Warrior Forum is an excellent platform for connecting with entrepreneurs interested in internet marketing. Members share both their successes and failures, and the site also features blogs, social groups, and a marketplace for advertising high-quality products.

1. Bank of America Small Business Online Community

The Bank of America Small Business Online Community offers expert insights, insider tips, and industry knowledge to help your business grow. With various message boards and a resource center containing information on self-financing, building credit, and credit lines vs. business credit cards, this forum is an essential resource for small business owners.

1. Business Advice Forum

Business Advice Forum is a platform for introductions, questions, and advice on topics related to property, HR, legal issues, planning, finance, and accounting. Primarily focused on online businesses, this webmaster forum is a great source of guidance.

1. UK Business Forums

For small business owners looking to expand globally, the UK Business Forums is a valuable resource offering news and advice on international business. Connect with small business owners who have a global perspective and gain valuable insights.

1. StartupNation Community

StartupNation Community aims to support entrepreneurs in the startup and small business sectors. Simply register with the site to participate in discussions, search for topics, or post your own questions.

1. LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups provide an excellent opportunity for professionals to network, get advice, and find answers to their questions. Some popular groups include Bright Ideas & Entrepreneurs, Linked Small Business Innovators, and Small Business Marketing Network. To find groups, log in to LinkedIn, search for a group, and filter the results by selecting “Groups” from the dropdown menu.

1. Creative COW

Ideal for those in creative industries, Creative COW offers a wide range of advice, tutorials, podcasts, and a job board. Topics include shared office environments, marketing, and more.

1. Alignable

Alignable is a local business forum that facilitates meeting other business owners, encouraging customer referrals, and obtaining advice from experts. This relationship-driven forum also features a “Member Stories” section.

1. Reddit

Reddit offers various subreddits for specific business topics, including the entrepreneur page, r/smallbusiness, and startup page. Users can share successes, failures, advice, and ask questions.

1. Startup Nation

Startup Nation is a forum for entrepreneurs to share tips, advice, and discuss topics related to small businesses. Exclusive content, such as video content and a newsletter, is available to registered members.

1. Flying Solo

Based in Australia, Flying Solo is a community forum offering support for micro and small business owners. With over 120,000 users, the site covers a wide range of topics, from daily routines to website feedback.

1. The Fastlane Forum

The Fastlane Forum enables entrepreneurs worldwide to discuss business topics with like-minded individuals. Created around MJ DeMarco’s books, “The Unscripted Entrepreneurial Framework” and “Unscripted,” users can engage in general discussions, ask for book recommendations, and seek advice on freelancing.

1. Women in Business Network

Designed for women to share experiences and advice on business, the Women in Business Network is a valuable resource. Members can post on the site, and women in business can find groups or meetings in their area (restricted to the United Kingdom for in-person events). The forum features posts from the Women In Business Network and its members.

1. Revain

Revain is an innovative platform that provides unbiased reviews and feedback on various products, services, and companies. This forum allows small business owners and entrepreneurs to share their experiences and gain insights into the quality and effectiveness of different solutions. By offering a transparent and reliable space for users to discuss their opinions, Revain helps small businesses make informed decisions and improve their operations.