(Free) – The U.S. Small Business Administration provides free online templates and guides for writing your business plan. On SBA’s website, entrepreneurs can find both traditional and lean startup business plan templates, along with guidance on what each section should include. These official templates help ensure you cover all the fundamentals (market analysis, financial projections, etc.), and the SBA’s business guide walks you through choosing a plan format that suits your venture.

(Free) – SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors (a resource partner of SBA), offers a downloadable step-by-step Business Plan Template for startups and free one-on-one mentoring to help refine your plan. Many SCORE mentors are experienced entrepreneurs who can provide feedback on your drafts and help you strengthen your strategy. With 10,000+ mentors and 200+ chapters nationwide, SCORE is a valuable resource for women entrepreneurs seeking guidance in business planning.

(Free) – Bplans is an online library of sample business plans and tutorials (operated by Palo Alto Software). It offers 500+ real business plan examples across industries, which can be a great reference for new entrepreneurs. Women of color can find sample plans relevant to their industry and use Bplans’ free templates and articles to jumpstart their own plan. (This library complements LivePlan software, but browsing samples on Bplans.com is free and open to all.)

(Paid) – A highly recommended business plan software tool known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. LivePlan guides you through building a complete business plan (with prompts for each section) and includes financial forecasting tools and even an AI-powered writing assistant. It has a proven track record – LivePlan has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs create plans and grow their businesses, with companies that plan often growing 30% faster than those that don’t. LivePlan also provides 550+ sample plans for inspiration and is frequently endorsed by small business coaches. (liveplan.com — monthly subscription with a money-back guarantee)

(Free) – A nationwide platform that connects diverse entrepreneurs to small business grants and resources. Co-founded by women, Hello Alice focuses on helping minority and women business owners access capital and opportunities to grow their companies. The platform hosts a grant marketplace (with partners like NAACP and corporations) and has over 1.5 million members.

(Free) – A venture capital fund founded by Black women that also runs grant contests for women of color entrepreneurs. For example, the Fearless Fund’s grant program (in partnership with Mastercard’s “Strivers” initiative) awards $20,000 grants to Black women-owned businesses. The fund’s mission is to bridge the funding gap for women of color founders, and it often partners with organizations like the Tory Burch Foundation to expand grant opportunities.

(Free) – A grant program offering cash awards to Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs on a rolling basis. Eligible founders can receive $5,000 or $10,000 grants plus mentorship support from SoGal’s team. This initiative, run by the SoGal Foundation (a diverse women-led VC firm), aims to close the diversity gap in entrepreneurship by providing early-stage funding to Black women-owned startups.

(Free) – In partnership with the Fearless Fund, the Tory Burch Foundation has a program that selected 75 women-of-color-owned businesses to receive grants of $10,000 or $20,000 each, along with access to business education and a peer community. This initiative underscores the commitment of established foundations to invest in women of color entrepreneurs through grant funding and support networks.

(Paid) – A reputable online directory for finding grants, including those for women and minority-owned businesses. GrantWatch is a subscription-based service that lists over 28,000 current grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources across the U.S.. Entrepreneurs can filter by category (e.g. women-owned business) to discover grants; it’s a useful tool with a large database, though full access requires a paid plan.

(Free guidance) – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) facilitates various loan programs (like the 7(a) loan guarantee and Microloan program) to help women and minority entrepreneurs access capital. Under recent initiatives, SBA-backed loans to women-owned small businesses increased by 70% (over $5.1 billion in FY2023). The SBA’s nationwide network of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) provides free counseling to help women launch and finance their businesses. Many SBA microloan intermediaries are housed in WBCs or similar organizations focused on underserved groups, offering smaller loans and financial guidance to new women entrepreneurs.

(Free to apply) – A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) offering flexible business loans and coaching to underserved small business owners. Accion focuses on helping women, people of color, and low-income entrepreneurs who may not qualify at traditional banks. They provide support beyond financing – over 90% of Accion’s clients are women or minorities, and they consider the whole business (not just credit scores) when lendings.

(Free to apply) – A microlending program specifically for women in economically underserved communities. Grameen America offers first-time small business loans (often starting at ~$2,000) with no credit history or collateral required. The program is targeted to women who lack access to traditional banks, providing not only affordable loans but also financial training and peer support in a
group-lending model. This helps women build credit and grow their businesses in a supportive environment.

(Free to apply) – Kiva is a global online platform where entrepreneurs can obtain 0% interest microloans through crowdfunding. It’s open to small business owners in the U.S., and is especially helpful for those who may not meet bank lending criteria. Over 80% of Kiva’s borrowers are women, and loans (typically up to $15,000) are funded by individual lenders who read the business story and lend in increments of $25. For women of color entrepreneurs, Kiva can be a valuable way to access capital without onerous credit requirements.

(Free service) – Lendio is a financing marketplace that helps small business owners, including women entrepreneurs, find loan options by matching them with a network of lenders. Lendio has a dedicated focus on helping women business owners close the financing gap by sourcing loans tailored to their needs. The platform is free for borrowers (Lendio is paid by lenders), and it allows entrepreneurs to submit one application to compare offers (term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, etc.). It’s a convenient tool to see multiple financing options, though the loans themselves will have interest costs.

Structure Overview: An LLC is a flexible business structure popular among small to mid-sized businesses. Itprovides personal liability protection (separating the owners’ personal assets from business debts) while allowing pass-through taxation like a sole proprietorship or partnership. In short,an LLC shields owners from being personally liable for business liabilities, without the formality of a corporation. LLCs are best for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want liability protection, managementflexibility, and simpler compliance than a corporation. This structure is especially suited for small businesses, freelancers, and those who want to avoid double taxation but still protect their personal assets.

Best for cost-conscious starters. Bizee offers to form your LLC for $0 + state fee (Silver package), which is as cheap as it gets. Despite the free base price, it includes the preparation and filing of Articles of Organization and even a free year of registered agent service (renews at $119/year). Incfile has helped form over 1,000,000 businesses, reflecting strong trust. The platform is easy to use and fairly quick, though they do make money on upsells (e.g. EIN, operating agreements in higher packages). Ideal for: entrepreneurs on a tight budget who are comfortable with basic services and occasional upsells. It’s praised as a solid choice for startups trying to save cash, with users on forums noting the value of its free package.

Best value-for-money service. ZenBusiness is known for affordable packages and efficient service. They even offer a $0 + state fee starter plan for LLC formation (with paid plansfor added features). Customers rate ZenBusiness highly for its ease of use and accuracy – it boasts a 100% accuracy guarantee and great customer feedback (5-star average on Trustpilot). ZenBusiness’s platform is modern and user-friendly, guiding you through each step. Even the starter plan includes essential filings (articles of organization and name check), and higher tiers add perks like operating agreement templates and rush filing. Ideal for: small business owners who want a low-cost formation with a bit more hand-holding and reliability. ZenBusiness has become a favorite among new entrepreneurs due to its combination of low cost and strong support (note:ZenBusiness does not currently handle nonprofit formations, focusing mainly on for profitentities).

Best for personalized support and privacy.Northwest charges $39 + state fee for LLC formation with an exclusivediscount link, which includes a full year of their premium registered agent service. Northwest is renowned for top-notch customer service – when you call,you speak to knowledgeable corporate guides instead of sales reps. They use straightforward pricing with no upsells or hidden fees and even protectyour privacy by letting you use their business address on filings to keep your own address off public records. Many experts rate Northwest as the best overall LLC service for their professionalism and no-nonsense approach. Idealfor: those willing to pay a bit for a concierge-level experience – if you value getting expert support, protection of your personal data, and a smooth process over saving the last dollar, Northwest is hard to beat.

Best for brand trust and comprehensive legalservices. LegalZoom is a household name with 20+ yearsof experience. They offer an LLC formation Basic plan for $0 + state fees(plus two higher tiers). With thefree basic tier, LegalZoom will file your Articles of Organization and provide a name availability search and a digital welcome packet. LegalZoom’s edge is the breadth of services: beyond just filing your LLC, they can help with operating agreements, EIN, DBA registration, and even offer on going legal advice through attorney consultations (for additional fees). Their platform is very polished and trusted by millions of business customers. However,the turnaround time can be slower and many extras (like EIN filing or registered agent service) cost more unless you purchase premium packages. Ideal for: entrepreneurs who prefer a well-known, one-stop legal solution and might have future legal needs (contracts, IP, etc.). It’s great for peace of mind and convenience, knowing you have a big firm’s resources at your disposal – albeit at a higher overall cost than budget services.

Structure Overview: An S-Corp is not a different kind of corporation per se, but aspecial tax election available to qualifying small businesses. By electing S-Corp status with the IRS, a corporation (or LLC) can pass its profits and losses directly to shareholders’ personal tax returns (avoiding corporate income tax), while still preserving limited liability for the owners. S-Corpstatus is usually beneficial for small, closely-held companies that meetthe IRS requirements (100 or fewer shareholders, all U.S. persons, one class of stock, etc.). The big draw is potential tax savings – owners can take a salary (subject to payroll tax) and then distributions that avoid self-employment tax on the remainder of profits. In essence, an S-Corp suits small domestic businesses (often family businesses or
professional firms) looking to save on taxes while maintaining liabilityprotection. It does come with stricter rules and paperwork (e.g. filing Form2553 with the IRS and adhering to formalities to maintain status). Many LLCs choose to elect S-Corp taxation once they reach a certain profit level to reduce taxes on distributions.

Top budget pick again, with S-Corp expertise. Bizee will form your corporation or LLC for free (+ state fee) and even assist with the S-Corp election. Their Gold package (still only $149 + state) explicitly includes preparing IRS Form 2553 for S-Corp election (along with EIN, corporate bylaws, etc.).This means you can get your S-Corp set up with minimal hassle and cost – the
core paperwork is handled for you. All the advantages Bezee offers for LLCs apply here: fast filing, easy dashboard, and a free registered agent for a year. Ideal for: cost-conscious entrepreneurs who want to elect S-Corpstatus without paying a premium. Bezee is often recommended as a solid,no-cost option for forming an S-Corp, perfect for new businesses trying tominimize expenses.

Best for personalized support and privacy. Northwest charges $39 + state fee for LLC formation with an exclusive discount link,which includes a full year of their premium registered agent service. Northwest is renowned for top-notch customer service – when you call,you speak to knowledgeable corporate guides instead of sales reps. They use straightforward pricing with no upsells or hidden fees and evenprotect your privacy by letting you use their business address on filings to keep your own address off public records. Many experts rate Northwest as the best overall LLC service for theirprofessionalism and no-nonsense approach. Ideal for: those willing to pay a bit for a concierge-levelexperience – if you value getting expert support, protection of your personal data, and a smooth process over saving the last dollar, Northwest is hard to beat.

Great value with guided S-Corp setup. ZenBusiness can form either an LLC or a corporation and then help you file for S-Corp status. Their process makes it simple: form your business (startingat $0 + state fee) and they offer an add-on or higher-tier service to filethe S-Corp election on your behalf. ZenBusiness is known for its easy interface and reliable support, which can be very handy as S-Corp elections have strict deadlines (within 2½ months of formation for current year status). Users appreciate the step-by-step guidance ZenBusiness provides (for example, reminding you about Form 2553 or even handling it if you opted for that service). Ideal for: small businessowners who want a user-friendly experience and confidence that theS-Corp paperwork will be done correctly. The affordable pricing and positive customer reviews make ZenBusiness a strong choice for first-time S-Corp filers.

Comprehensive package for S-Corp and beyond. LegalZoom’s platform is well-equipped for forming corporations and handling post-formation filings. While their base incorporation fee is higher (around $149 + state for a basic corporation), they offer an “S-Corp package” in which they will prepare and file Form 2553 with the IRS during your incorporation process. LegalZoom’s appeal is that
you can take care of everything in one place: name reservation, incorporation, S-Corp election, EIN, and even ongoing tax consultation services. The brand’s longevity and legal rigor give peace of mind that all i’s will be dotted and t’s crossed. Ideal for: those who prefer a turnkey, full-servicesolution and are willing to pay a premium for convenience and brand trust.For example, if you’re not only forming an S-Corp but will also need things like an attorney to draft a shareholder agreement, an accountant referral, or legal advice down the road, LegalZoom can connect you to those services under one umbrella.

Forming an S-Corp technically means forming a regular business entity(usually an LLC or a C-Corp) and then filing for S-Corp status. All the platforms listed for LLCs and corporations can facilitate an S-Corp election – often at no extra cost or as part of certain packages. The key is to ensure the service includes Form 2553 filing or provides instructions. Both budgetoptions above include it (Incfile in Gold tier includes the filing, and ZenBusiness offers it as anadd-on), while premium options make it part of their more comprehensive service. Always double-check that the platform knows you intend to be an S-Corp so they can help you meet the IRS requirements.

Structure Overview: A C-Corp is the standard, “default” type of corporation – a legal entity separate from its owners (shareholders). C-Corps provide the strong estliability protection and have no limits on number or type of shareholders, making them ideal for companies that plan to raise capital from investors or eventually go public. The trade-off is double taxation: the corporation pays corporate income tax on its profits, and shareholders pay tax again on dividends (distributions) received. C-Corps also require more formalities (board of directors, bylaws, annual meetings, etc.). This structure is best suited for largerbusinesses, startups seeking venture capital, or any company that may issue stock broadly. In fact, most major companies are C-Corps. If you plan to reinvest profits and scale significantly, a C-Corp can be advantageous (profits can be retained in the company at the corporate tax rate, and the structure allows multiple classes of stock and unlimited investors, unlike an S-Corp). C-Corps also enable certain benefits like stock option plans for employees. In short: choose a C-Corp if you want high-growth potential and outside investment, andare prepared for more regulation and tax complexity.

Best for low-cost, quick incorporation. Bizee has long been a go-to for budget corporation formation. They will form a C-Corporation for $0 + state fee (Silver plan), which covers preparing and filing the Articles of Incorporation. Even at this free tier, you get a year of registered agent service included. Many startups use Incfile to incorporate in Delaware or their home state because it’s fast (often same-day or next-day processing) and reliably gets the job done without attorney fees. If you need an EIN or corporate bylaws, those can be added or are included in higher packages (their $149 Gold package comes with an EIN and bylaws/organizational minutes). Ideal for: founders who are comfortable handling some corporate formalities on their own (or with templates) and just need the incorporation paperwork filed correctly at minimal cost. It’s particularly attractive for tech startups on a budget – you can form a Delaware C-Corp essentially for free and then later utilize startup-specific services or lawyers as needed. Bizee’s track record (over a million businesses formed) shows it’s a trusted, value-focused option.

Another affordable option with speedy service. Filenow is a slightly lesser-known service that charges around $49 + state fee for a basic corporation formation, making it one of the cheapest after the $0 providers. Despite the low price, Filenow is often praised for fast turnaround and responsive customer service. They even advertise a live order tracking system and a money-back guarantee for
filing speed. Filenow might include some extras like an EIN filing at that price (promos vary), which can save additional hassle. Ideal for: small businesses that want an inexpensive but slightly more hands-on service – Filenow’s team of incorporation specialists can be easier to reach than some free services’ support lines. If you prefer a budget option where you can talk to a human easily, Filenow is worth considering (though it doesn’t have the same brand recognition as Bizee).

Honorable mention in budget category: ZenBusiness also forms C-Corps at $0 + state with its starter plan, similar to LLCs. If you liked ZenBusiness’s approach for LLC, you can use them for a corporation as well, with the same great customer experience. Additionally, Inc Authority isanother $0 service akin to Incfile that could be considered – they offer free corp formation, monetizing through upsells.

Expert incorporation with no upsells. Just as with LLCs, Northwest will form your corporation for $39 + state fee(including a year of registered agent).They shine especially if you need guidance on choosing authorized share counts, drafting bylaws, or understanding state-specific requirements – their reps are experienced “corporate guides.” Northwest is also a great choice if privacy is aconcern: they’ll use their address on your articles, meaning the personal addresses of directors/shareholders don’t have to go on public record. The difference from budget services becomes apparent if complications arise (say, a name issue or a rejected filing) – Northwest will proactively help resolve it. They also provide compliance tools, like annual report reminders, which for a corporation can be very handy. Ideal for: entrepreneurs whowant a smooth, stress-free incorporation and plan to keep using Northwest for ongoing registered agent and compliance support. It’s also
well-suited for nonprofits and B-Corps (as we’ll see below) due to their knowledge able staff. Overall, Northwest offers a premium experience at a price
that’s still far lower than hiring a traditional lawyer.

Best for venture-funded tech startups (Delaware C-Corps). Clerky is a specialized online platform recommended by many startup attorneys for properly incorporating Delaware C-Corps and handling post-incorporation paperwork (like setting up stock issuances, founder equity splits, etc.). It is more expensive than the general services (formation packages around a few hundred dollars), and it doesn’t form LLCs or other entities – it’s laser-focused on high-growth startups that need venture capital-ready documents. Clerky’s templates and process ensure your C-Corp’s bylaws, stock purchase agreements, and board consents are all in Silicon Valley standard form, which can save a lot of legal fees down the road if you’ll be raising money. Ideal for: startup founders who anticipate seeking VC funding – especially if you are a first-time founder without a lawyer yet, Clerky can set up your company “the right way” for investors. It’s a premium niche service, but for its target audience, the value is immense (for a typical small business, this level of complexity isn’t needed, so a general service or lawyer would suffice).

LegalZoomalso handles C-Corp formations thoroughly (starting at $149 + state), with options for legal add-ons. And for international founders or those wanting
a bundle of banking/tax support, Stripe Atlas is a well-known premiumservice ($500 package) that forms a Delaware C-Corp and sets up a bank account
and Stripe payment gateway – a good all-in-one, though geared towards tech startups.

C-Corp formation services don’t differdrastically from LLC services – many providers do both. The key differences often come in the post-formation support (like organizing shareholder meetings, issuing stock certificates, etc.). Budget services will get you incorporated cheaply, which is often enough. Premium services (or specialized ones like Clerky) add value by ensuring your corporation is structured to attract investors and remain compliant. If your goal is a small business corporation with no outside investors, a budget service + maybe an accountant for taxes may suffice. If you’re building the next big startup, consider spending more to get it set up right.

Structure Overview: A B-Corporation (Benefit Corporation) is a relatively new type offor-profit corporation that includes a social or environmental missionin its legally defined goals. In addition to pursuing profit, a benefit corporation’s directors are required to consider the impact of their decisions on society and the environment. This structure is best for entrepreneurs who want to legally ensure their business maintains amission-driven purpose over time – it embeds sustainability/charitableobjectives into the company’s DNA. Benefit corporations are identical to C-Corps in most respects (same liability protection, same corporate tax treatment), but they differ in accountability and transparency: they must produce an annual benefit report on their soci and environmental performance, and directors have expanded fiduciary duties to stakeholders beyond just shareholders. It’s important to note that “B-Corp”can also refer to B Lab’s certification: a company of any structure canseek to become a Certified B Corp by meeting certain standards. However, BenefitCorporation refers to the legal entity form available in manystates. Companies that prioritize public benefit and want to stand out as socially responsible often choose this route to appeal to conscious consumers and investors. It’s suited for businesses that want to lock in their values (e.g. a sustainable products company or a social enterprise startup). Keep in mind, benefit corporations do not get tax advantages – they pay taxeslike any other for-profit (they can even elect S-Corp status if eligible).

Affordable and experienced with benefitcorporations. MyCorporation offers specific BenefitCorporation formation services, starting at $109 + state fees fortheir basic package. This includes filing the benefit corporation articles which in many states require special language about the company’s public benefit purpose. MyCorporation has been around for decades and is familiar with state-specific
requirements for benefit corps (only 30+ states allow them, so guidance helps). They handle the additional filing paperwork (like any required benefit reports or initial benefit director designations) as part of the formation. Ideal for: small businesses or startups on a budget who want to form a benefitcorp and would like a service explicitly knowledgeable about that process. The pricing is modest, and you get the reassurance of dealing with a provider that advertises B-Corp expertise – simplifying what could otherwise be a confusing DIY filing.

Low-cost option if available in your state. Bizee doesn’t specifically advertise “benefit corporation” packages, but you can form a benefit corporation through them by selecting the standard
corporation service and indicating the benefit corporation status in states where it’s an option. Because Bezee’s Silver plan is $0 + state fee, this is the cheapest way to form a B-Corp if you’re comfortable ensuring the benefit language is handled (Bizee will typically have a checkbox or prompt if the state supports it). They may not provide as much guidance on the ongoing benefit reporting requirements, but they’ll get your corporation formed with the right designation. Ideal for: mission-driven entrepreneurs who are budget-sensitiveand somewhat savvy. If you’ve done your homework on what it means to be a benefit corp (and perhaps consulted any state-provided guidelines), Bizee can execute the filing for basically no service fee. Just be aware you might need
to draft your benefit purpose statement yourself (or use templates).

High-touch service for benefit corporations. Northwest’s team is well-versed in forming benefit corporations (they even publish free guides on it). They charge their flat $39 + state fee and will prepare the Articles of Incorporation with the required benefit corp provisions. Where Northwest really adds value is after formation: they can remind you of the annual benefit report deadlines and assist with compliance to maintain your status. Given that benefit corps are newer, having a knowledgeable guide can save you from mistakes (like missing a required shareholder vote on your benefit report). Ideal for: founders who prioritize doing it right – e.g. a social enterprise that wants to ensure its legal structure upholds its values. Northwest’s personalized service and understanding of non-standard entities (like benefit corps) make it worth the small premium. You get the hand-holding to navigate both incorporation and ongoing duties of a benefit corporation, with no upselling gimmicks – just solid support.

Comprehensive compliance solution. Harbor Compliance is a premium service known for handling more complex business formations and compliance, including nonprofits and benefit corporations. They offer full-service benefit corporation formation and can even act as an outsourced compliance department. Harbor Compliance is significantly more expensive (their nonprofit/benefit corp packages can be $1,000+ when including all filings), but that includes obtaining any necessary certifications, drafting custom articles/bylaws, and preparing reports. Ideal for: a mission-drivencompany that wants zero headaches – for example, if you’re launching anationwide social enterprise and need to ensure you meet requirements in multiple jurisdictions or need registered agent in all states, Harbor Compliance can coordinate that. This is likely overkill for most small businesses, but for a larger benefit corporation or one with complex needs, a premium
compliance firm provides peace of mind that you’ll remain in good standing and meet the high standards you’ve set.

Being a legal Benefit Corporation is distinct from being a Certified B Corp (a certification conferred by the nonprofit B Lab). You can be one, or the other, or both. The platforms above help with the legal formation. If you later want B Lab certification, you’ll go through an assessment process separately. Many benefit corporations do pursue B Lab certification to bolster credibility, but it’s not mandatory. Also, if your state doesn’t offer benefit corporation formation, you can still incorporate as a regular C-Corp and embed mission in your bylaws, then perhaps get B Lab certified as an alternative way to signal your values.

Structure Overview: A Nonprofit Corporation is a business entity organized for a charitable, educational, religious, or public service purpose – not for generatingprofit for owners. In fact, a true nonprofit has no owners or shareholders; any surplus revenues must be reinvested in the organization’s mission. Nonprofits (often aiming for 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status) can accept donations and grants, and those contributions can be tax-deductible for donors. This structure is best suited forcharities, foundations, churches, clubs, or any group operating to benefit the public or a specific group rather than to make money. Key features of nonprofits include: personal liability protection for directors and officers (like a corporation), eligibility for tax exemptions, and heavy regulation –
they must adhere to their stated nonprofit purpose and cannot distribute profits to private individuals. Forming a nonprofit involves incorporating at the state level and then applying for IRS 501(c)(3) (or another 501(c)) status, which adds complexity. Nonprofits are ideal for those with a clear charitable mission who are prepared to comply with rigorous reporting and governance requirements in exchange for public support and tax benefits. (If your goal is to do good and do well financially, considera B-Corp or L3C instead – nonprofits are strictly for public benefit and cannot be sold for profit or issue dividends.)

Unbeatable price: free nonprofit incorporation. Bizee's platform will help you form a nonprofit corporation for $0 + state fees, similar to their LLC/Corp offerings. This includes preparing and filing the nonprofit Articles of Incorporation with the appropriate state provisions (like a purpose clause and dissolution of assets to another nonprofit upon dissolution). They also include a year of registered agent service free, which is great since nonprofits need a registered agent too. Bizee’s site guides you through choosing the type of nonprofit (they even mention common categories like public charities, private foundations, etc.) and will alert you that after incorporation, you’ll need to seek federal tax-exempt status. While Incfile doesn’t file the IRS 1023 form for free, just getting the
state incorporation done at no cost is a huge help for cash-strapped causes. Ideal for: grassroots nonprofits or community groups that want to get incorporated on a shoestring budget. For example, if you’re starting ananimal rescue or local arts group and have limited funds, Bizee lets you become a legal entity and then perhaps tackle the IRS application yourself or with a specialist. The platform’s efficiency and cost can save precious funds for your actual mission.

Low-cost package with basic guidance. LegalZoom offers a nonprofit incorporation package starting at $99 + state fees, which is relatively affordable for the value of their guidance. They prepare your Articles of Incorporation with the necessary IRS-compliant language (important for 501(c)(3) eligibility) and provide an incorporation checklist. While $99 is not free, LegalZoom brings the benefit of brand trust and a support line you can call with questions during the process. They also offer an add-on service where a LegalZoom specialist will prepare your IRS Form 1023 Application for tax exemption (for an additional fee) – this can be useful if you find the IRS forms daunting. Ideal for: new nonprofit founders who are not very familiar with legal paperwork and want an approachable service that can answer questions. If you’re unsure how to draft your charitable purpose or bylaws, LegalZoom’s templates and support can ensure you meet basic requirements without having to hire a nonprofit attorney upfront. It’s a budget-friendly middle ground between DIY and hiring a lawyer, with the credibility of a well-known provider.

Best value “premium” service (personal guidance). Northwest stands out for nonprofit formation because, for the same $39 + state fee price, they not only file your nonprofit corporation but assist with the 501(c)(3) application process. According to their service description, Northwest’steam will guide you on preparing your IRS tax-exempt application and ensure your governance documents (like bylaws and conflict of interest policy) are set up correctly. This level of support is usually what people pay expensive consultants for, yet Northwest includes a lot of it for a nominal fee. They also keep your personal info private (useful if you’re a founder using your home address) and provide ongoing compliance reminders (like annual report filings, charitable registrations, etc., as needed). Ideal for: nonprofit founders who wanta knowledgeable partner to navigate both state and federal filings. Forinstance, if you’re establishing a charity and feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, Northwest can hold your hand through incorporation and the crucial next steps, at a fraction of the cost of dedicated nonprofit firms. It’s an excellent choice for those who value service quality and are on a budget – effectively a premium experience at low cost, making it our top
recommendation for nonprofits that need extra help.

Complete nonprofit startup support. Foundation Group is a specialty provider that has helped over 25,000 nonprofits get started. They offer comprehensive packages (often branded as SureStart™) that include everything: incorporating your nonprofit, obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, drafting custom bylaws, EIN, and even initial fundraising registrations. This is a white-glove service and is priced accordingly –typically in the $2,000+ range for all those deliverables (prices vary with complexity). What you get is expert consulting from professionals who do nonprofit work all day, every day. Ideal for: organizations that have some funding or a grant to cover startup costs and want to get it right the firsttime with no DIY. For example, if you’re launching a nonprofit that you expect to raise substantial funds or operate in multiple states (like a national charity), Foundation Group can ensure you’re structured and registered properly everywhere, saving you from legal pitfalls. This level of service is overkill for a small local charity, but for more ambitious nonprofit ventures or those with complex needs, the investment can pay off in long-term peace of mind and compliance.

Nonprofit formation is more complex thanfor-profits, so even the “budget” routes often require more work from the founder after incorporation (namely, the IRS application). Bizee gives you the absolute cheapest start – incorporate now, worry about tax exemption separately – which might be fine for very small or informal charities. LegalZoom offers a bit more guidance, which can help avoid mistakes in the incorporation phase. Northwest is unique in blending low cost with high service, making it a top choice if you need hand-holding but can’t afford a full-service firm. And true premium specialists (Foundation Group, Harbor Compliance, etc.) will basically create your nonprofit turnkey, which is ideal if you have the budget and the mission is critical enough to warrant expert handling. Consider how confident you feel about things like IRS Form 1023 – if the answer is “not at all,” leaning toward Northwest or a specialty firm could save you from headaches or a dreaded IRS denial.