4 Great Resource Websites for Entrepreneurs

Navigating the complexities of starting and scaling a new venture can feel overwhelming. Especially when you don't come from a business background and have limited resources to work with. I've done my time mining for resources to help me build better with each new business I've started. I thought I'd share four great sites I've found, to help get you started.

Below is a quick break down what each site offers and how they can benefit you.

1. IDEO Design Kit

   
   

   Great for:

   • Market research.

   • Identifying an offering that has high demand in your local community.

   • Initial product development & iteration process.

The IDEO Design Kit is a resource that guides in-depth market research within your immediate community, helping develop a product prototype with high local demand—ideal for those starting on a limited budget. Crafting a product that meets local needs increases early sales potential compared to models requiring more capital to convince customers of a product's value, rather than addressing an existing demand from the outset.

Their model, called human-centered design (HCD), offers a free downloadable toolkit and a wealth of online content. This includes resources for design methods, worksheets, and case studies to guide entrepreneurs through inspiration, ideation, and implementation.

I'd use the Human-Centered Design model for initial research when planning a new business idea and then going through the prototyping process for that first product. This toolkit helps you deeply understand your customers’ needs and craft solutions that stick. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who want to innovate with confidence, using proven methods to reduce risk and boost creativity.

2. Acquisition.com

   
   

   Great for:

   • Building and scaling a new venture - whether you have identified an offering yet or not.

   • Developing leads and growing in marketing skill.

Acquisition.com is a no-nonsense resource hub for entrepreneurs looking to scale fast. It offers free tools, frameworks, and content focused on customer acquisition, revenue growth, and operational efficiency. It’s geared toward ambitious founders ready to take their business to the next level.

This site is like a business degree in a box. It cuts through the fluff, delivering high-impact strategies to maximize profits and streamline operations. It’s a goldmine for growth-oriented entrepreneurs who need practical advice to compete in crowded markets.

3. DIY Toolkit

   
   

   Great for:

   • Refining ideas & gaining clarity.

   • Finding ready-to-use downloadable templates.

   • Saves time for busy entrepreneurs.

The DIY Toolkit from Nesta is a treasure trove of practical, hands-on tools designed to help entrepreneurs invent, adopt, or adapt ideas for better outcomes. It features 30+ free, downloadable templates—like the "Business Model Canvas" and "SWOT Analysis"—tailored for busy innovators, especially those in development or social impact spaces. The site emphasizes simplicity and speed, making it ideal for testing concepts without getting bogged down in theory.

This resource empowers you to quickly prototype and refine ideas, saving time and resources. It’s particularly valuable for entrepreneurs tackling real-world challenges with limited budgets, as it encourages creative problem-solving grounded in actionable steps.

4. Acumen Academy Course Catalog

Great for:

• Upskilling in various areas relevant to entrepreneurship & social change.

• Building valuable skills on a budget.

Acumen Academy’s Course Catalog offers free and low-cost online courses focused on social entrepreneurship and leadership. Courses like "Introduction to Human-Centered Design" (in collaboration with IDEO.org) and "Lean Data Approaches to Measure Impact" provide frameworks to solve problems creatively and measure success effectively. It’s a pay-what-you-can model, ensuring accessibility for all.

These courses build skills in innovation, empathy, and data-driven decision-making—crucial for creating businesses that resonate with customers and stakeholders. They’re especially useful for mission-driven founders aiming to balance profit with purpose.

Each of these websites brings something unique to the table: DIY Toolkit offers quick prototyping tools, Acumen Academy builds foundational skills with a social lens, IDEO Design Kit fosters customer-centric innovation, and Acquisition.com drives aggressive growth. Together, they cover the entrepreneurial journey from idea to scale.