How To Find a Business and Entrepreneurship Coach

You’ve read the books and listened to the podcasts. Tried to DIY your way through every business decision. And now? You’re burnt out, second-guessing everything, and wondering if this whole dream was a bad call. Knowing how to find a business and entrepreneurship coach who actually sees you can feel impossible. You’re looking for aligned support from someone who knows what it’s like to build with heart. Let’s talk about what to look for—and what to walk away from.

What Is a Business and Entrepreneurship Coach?

A business and entrepreneurship coach is someone who supports you as you build your business from the inside out. They’re there to help you make sure you have a roadmap for success that aligns with your values.This kind of coach sees the person behind the business. They’ll ask you if what you’re building still feels right, or if it’s just something you thought you had to do. Their job is to help you realign with what matters.They’ll offer structure, sure. But they’ll also bring you back to your center because the real work is more than growing the business. It’s making sure you’re heart is still in it.

Role of a Business Coach

A business coach helps you get clear not just on your goals, but on the common challenges getting in the way of reaching them. They’ll challenge your thinking, reflect your blind spots, and offer real, usable tools to help you move forward.Coaching delivers a return on investment of up to 788% when paired with strong strategy and leadership. A coach might help you map your offers, refine your messaging, or clean up your schedule. But underneath that, they’re guiding you back to your voice, so your business is truly a reflection of your core values.

What a Business Coach Won’t Do

A business coach can’t do the work for you. They’re not going to run your launch or make hard calls on your behalf. That part is still yours.They also can’t guarantee results. Real growth takes time, consistency, and personal ownership. Any coach promising quick wins or instant success isn’t being honest with you—or themselves.And finally, a coach isn’t a therapist or accountant. They might help you unpack beliefs or shift your mindset, but they’re not a replacement for professional advice. A good coach will know when to point you to someone who can support you better.

7 Steps To Find Your Perfect Business and Entrepreneurship Coach

Finding the right coach is a huge step. Here’s how to start that search in a way that honors where you’re headed.

Step #1 - Assess Your Goals for the Relationship

Before you even start looking, get clear on what you want. Do you need structure? Emotional support? Accountability? All three? When you name your goals, you create a filter. That way, you’re not swayed by shiny sales pages—you’re guided by what actually matters to you.

Step #2 - Scout Your Network

Ask around. Talk to fellow business owners who are aligned in values and energy. Chances are, they’ve already worked with someone worth talking to. You don’t need a referral to get started, but community insight can help you narrow the field fast.

Step #3 - Do Your Research

Take your time. Visit websites, watch their videos, and read their content. Notice how they talk, what they prioritize, and whether their energy resonates. It’s not about finding the most “qualified” coach—it’s about finding someone who makes you feel more like yourself.

Step #4 - Look at Their Education, Experience, and Credentials

Credentials aren’t everything, but they do matter. Especially when someone’s holding space for your business. Have they built a business themselves? Are they certified through a reputable program? Look for a track record that feels steady, not performative.

Step #5 - Check Out Events Hosted by Coaches You’re Interested In

Workshops, group calls, or live trainings can give you a real feel for how someone shows up. You’ll hear their teaching style, see how they hold space, and sense whether you feel safe being coached by them. It’s a low-stakes way to build trust before investing in a long-term container.

Step #6 - Read Forums and Online Communities

What are people saying in real time? Sites like Reddit, Facebook groups, or even comments on posts can give you insight into how a coach supports their clients. Just make sure you're separating honest feedback from venting or projection. Stay tuned to what feels true to you.

Step #7 - Ask Questions

Once you’re in a consultation or intro call, ask what you actually want to know. How do they support clients who are burned out? What happens when fear comes up? What’s their take on alignment vs. hustle? You’re hiring someone to hold space for your business. You’re allowed to be picky.

Questions To Ask a Business/Entrepreneurship Coach

Don’t hold back when you’re in that first call. You want someone who can hold space for all of you, not just your business goals. These questions help you figure out the right fit fast.

Start with the basics.

• “How do you usually work with clients?”
• “What does support look like between sessions?”

Then go deeper.

•  “What’s your approach when a client feels stuck?”
•  “How do you help people reconnect with their intuition when they’re overwhelmed?”

And don’t be afraid to ask about the hard stuff.

•  “What’s your take on burnout?”
•  “What do you do when a client’s strategy isn’t aligned with their energy?”

Red Flags in a Business Coach

Not every coach will honor your values or energy. A coach should never ask you to sacrifice your values or numb your instincts. That’s not leadership—that’s avoidance dressed up as progress. The right coach will support your growth through emotional intelligence, not pressure." Here’s what I tell my clients to watch out for:

• Leading With Pressure

If a coach is pushing you to “act now” or warning that you’ll miss your chance, step back. Urgency tactics signal they’re more focused on closing the sale than supporting your alignment.

• Ignoring Your Nervous System

You’ll hear things like “just push through” or “you have to be uncomfortable to grow.” Growth might stretch you, but it shouldn’t disregard your body’s signals or lead you into shutdown.

• Offering a One-Size-Fits-All Blueprint

If their entire framework is built around their own success story and they expect you to follow it exactly, that’s not coaching. That’s replicating. You’re building your path, not theirs.

• Downplaying Emotion or Intuition

If you’re told to “get out of your feelings” or that your instincts are wrong, that’s a red flag. Business doesn’t work when we disconnect from ourselves to make it happen.

• Positioning Themselves As the Authority on Your Life.

A coach’s job is to support your agency, not override it. You should never feel like you're being managed or molded. You should feel seen, heard, and respected.

How To Find a Business and Entrepreneurship Coach: FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a business coach?

The cost of a business coach typically ranges from $100 to $500 per session. Many offer business workshops, monthly support, or tailored packages. What matters most isn’t the price—it’s whether their guidance in business actually aligns with your energy and long-term vision of business success.

What is the difference between a business coach and an entrepreneur coach?

A business coach often supports your business plan, systems, and team. An entrepreneur coach looks at your business journey—the emotional, mental, and spiritual side of building something real. The strongest coaches understand both. You want someone with industry knowledge and the emotional capacity to meet you where you are.

How can I get a business coach?

Start by naming what you need: advice on strategy, clarity on structure, or someone to walk with you through the hard seasons. From there, ask for referrals or look for industry experts whose values match yours. When you find someone who makes you feel seen and heard, you’ve likely found the right fit.

How to find a mentor for entrepreneurship?

You can find a mentor through community events, mastermind groups, or by attending targeted business workshops. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs are eager to give back, especially when they see someone who’s serious about building with integrity. Be clear and honest. Mentorship often starts with one meaningful conversation.

Work With Melissa Wick, an Entrepreneurial Business Coach

If you’re building a business that actually feels like you, and you’re tired of the noise, let’s talk. I work with entrepreneurs who are ready to lead from their center, make clear decisions, and stop abandoning themselves in the name of success. This isn’t just business coaching. It’s support for the whole human behind the business. Legal clarity, aligned with your purpose. Mindful strategy that honors your energy. Schedule a consultation and let’s see if we’re a fit.