Home: Learning Center: Business Resources
Small Business Administration
The Mission of the SBA is to "maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters." They offer loans to certain businesses, and there's just a heck of a lot of info on their site.
The SBA's Online Women's Business Center
"OWBO promotes the growth of women-owned businesses through programs that address business training and technical assistance, and provide access to credit and capital, federal contracts, and international trade opportunities. With a women's business ownership representative in every SBA district office, a nationwide network of mentoring roundtables, women's business centers in nearly every state and territory, women-owned venture capital companies, and the Online Women's Business Center, OWBO is helping unprecedented numbers of women start and build successful businesses. At every stage of developing and expanding a successful business, the Office of Women's Business Ownership is here to counsel, teach, encourage and inspire." How cool is that?
Business Plan Kit
The FREE online business start-up kit from the SBA. Need I say more?
Non-Profit Resource List
Are you Starting a Non-Profit? Peruse through these sites to get more information about the regulations and guidelines of setting up your business. If you're in Michigan, click here.
Toastmasters
Does getting up in front of a group to give a speech make your knees get weak and your heart race? Do you equate the thought of hundreds of eyes staring at you, and hanging on your every word with a fate worse than death? Then Toastmasters is for you! Get involved with a supportive community that will allow you to break bad speaking habits, and make you more comfortable in front of an audience. I also recommend acting classes through community education to help you gain confidence necessary in business.
Chamber of Commerce
The National Chamber of Commerce's Mission is: "To advance human progress through an economic, political and social system based on individual freedom, incentive, initiative, opportunity, and responsibility." On their site you'll be able to find your local chamber, and once you become a member, participate in national and local events. It's a great way to network with other small business owners, and get your name out there!
Copywright and Trademark Protection
If there is a name, logo, or phrase that you'd like to OWN, consider getting a trademark or copywright. This process is involved and expensive, so be sure that its something you actually want or need for your business. Do a search through www.uspto.gov, to see if its already been registered, and if not, go for it!
The IRS
Oh, come on now, you know that if you're going to be self-employed, or run your own business, you have to deal with Uncle Sam on a more frequent basis. This link guides you through everything you need to know in terms of government rules. In addition, you can click on the following links for: For EIN numbers (If you need a separate Tax ID for your business) W-9 Forms (If you hire Independent Contractors, its a PDF file) If you sell goods, you might need to fill out a Sales Tax ID form. Check out your state's website for information regarding specific regulations.
