Small Business Information Center. Com

Small Business Resources for Chapter 1

Small business resources to help your business grow:

There are a number of small business resources in the form of professional organizations that offer free advice and information for the entrepreneur or small business owner. As soon as you have decided on a viable business idea and have done your research, you may call and ask for an interview. These small business resources may be able to help make your entrepreneurial dream into a reality.

Small business resource: Score

The Service Corps of Retired Executives(www.score.org)is an affiliate of the Small Business Administration. Score consultants will advise small business owners for free. You may have to be careful with the advice however, as some of the advice is more worthwhile than others. This can sometimes be an excellent small business resource, but it is best to request an adviser who has experience in a business as similar to yours as possible, and in the industry which you are interested in.

Small business resource: Chamber of Commerce

An excellent small business resource in your own home town may be your Chamber of Commerce. Local Chambers usually meet on a monthly basis to discuss and provide resources to these small businesses. You should be able to find the Chamber nearest you at the website of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at www.2chambers.com .

Nonprofit business groups

Many towns have chapters of local nonprofit groups such as Rotary International (www.rotary.org) , the Lions (www.lionsclubs.org) and the Kiwanis (www.kiwanis.org), where local businesses and government leaders cooperate to provide small business resources and work on community projects. These clubs also offer excellent opportunities to network with other small business owners.

Small business resource: Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

Another small business resource sponsored by the Small Business Administration are the SBDC’s. These centers are staffed by former business owners who will usually provide information and assistance with everything from helping you with your small business plan to filling out government forms. You may go to www.sbaonline.sba.gov/sbdc to find a Small Business Development Center near you.

Minority Business Development Agency

This agency provides small business resources to minorities and help in finding federal contracts, as well as providing general information on how to grow your business. Look for this information at www.mbda.gov .

Small business resource: Women’s business groups

There are virtually dozens of specialized organizations to help women start and run their own businesses. The Women’s Business Development Center (www.wbdc.org) which is based in Chicago, offers small business resources and growth seminars. Similar information and groups are found in other cities as well. The National Association of Women Business Owners (www.nawbo.org) also offers opportunities for networking. Another interesting informational resource is Mothers and More (www.mothersandmore.org), an internet based group which helps mothers of small children find ways to transfer corporate working skills into home-based enterprises.

The Next Step will be to decide on your business structure. Chapter 2 will walk you through the decision-making process.

Information by Barnes and Noble Basics: Starting a Business

Web page and Starting Your Own Small Business Course by Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate CEO/President Susic Psychological Consulting P.C.

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