National associations & education
National bodies that set standards, publish the data the profession runs on, and connect buyers and owners.
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
NationalThe largest national association for funeral directors — continuing education, regulatory-compliance guidance, business resources, and federal advocacy. Publishes the widely cited cremation-rate research.
VisitInternational Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA)
NationalAssociation serving cemetery, cremation, and funeral providers, with a strong focus on combination operations — education, certification, and legislative advocacy.
VisitCremation Association of North America (CANA)
NationalAssociation focused on the cremation field, publishing the annual cremation-rate statistics and projections buyers use to read a market.
VisitSelected Independent Funeral Homes
NationalInternational association of independently owned funeral homes offering professional development, networking, and business resources.
VisitThe International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR)
NationalMembership association of independently owned funeral homes (founded 1928) providing education and networking under defined ethical standards.
VisitNational Funeral Directors & Morticians Association (NFDMA)
NationalInternational association of funeral directors and morticians (founded 1924) hosting conventions, educational events, and district seminars.
VisitGreen Burial Council
NationalNonprofit that certifies funeral homes, cemeteries, and products meeting defined environmental standards and maintains a green-burial directory.
VisitJewish Funeral Directors of America (JFDA)
NationalAssociation of Jewish funeral homes and directors (established 1932), now operating as a specialized membership division within ICCFA.
VisitState funeral associations 47 states
The state association where a business operates — often the fastest route to local licensure and transfer guidance.
Financing & SBA help
Programs, lenders, and free advisors for financing a funeral-home, cemetery, or crematory acquisition.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
NationalThe SBA's primary loan program — guarantees lender loans for working capital, equipment, real estate, and changes of business ownership up to $5 million. The route most independent acquisitions are financed by.
VisitSBA Lender Match
NationalFree SBA tool that connects a buyer with SBA-approved lenders who express interest in their financing need.
VisitSBA Local Assistance
NationalSBA locator — enter a ZIP to find district offices and resource partners such as SCORE, SBDCs, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers.
VisitAmerica's SBDC (Small Business Development Centers)
NationalNationwide network of Small Business Development Centers providing no-cost consulting and low-cost training, with a state/ZIP locator.
VisitRules & references
Federal rules and references every buyer and owner should know before a transaction.
FTC Funeral Rule — compliance guide
FederalThe FTC's guidance on the federal Funeral Rule — itemized price disclosures (including the General Price List) and consumers' right to choose individual goods and services. Core diligence for any buyer.
VisitIRS Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center
FederalIRS hub covering starting, operating, buying, and closing a business — entity selection, employment taxes, and recordkeeping.
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