RESOURCES & Informational Links

General Interest Links 

SCORE  

National web site. Offers national email counseling with many experts in many fields. Includes many links of interest.SCORE Newsletter Subscribe to this excellent small business email monthly newsletter at SCORE.org 

Small Business Administration (SBA)

The homepage of the SBA

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Key Links  Links to 43 general areas of interest to small businesses. 

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Frequently Asked Questions Small business statistics and research 

Business.gov  

This well Organized site guides you through the maze of government rules and regulations and provides access to services and resources to help you start, grow and succeed in business.

FirstGov.gov  

Powerful search engine and ever-growing collection of topical and customer-focused links connects you to millions of web pages – from the federal government, local and tribal governments and to foreign nations around the world. 

Delaware.gov  

Startup and registering a business

Assistance for Groups 

SBA 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 

SBA My Biz For Women  

Women’s business programs, news and ideas
 

Veterans Business Outreach Program  

SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development. OVBD is dedicated to serving the veteran entrepreneur by formulating, executing and promoting policies and programs of the agency that provides assistance to veterans seeking to start and develop small businesses.

AARP Small Business Site  

Good reference information. Can also sign up for their monthly Small Business email newsletter.

Legal Links 

American Bar Association  

Find a lawyer

FindLaw - West Legal Directory  

Find a lawyer

NOLO Law for All  

“Do it Yourself” legal information

Business Filings Incorporated  

Online filing for incorporation. You need a good business attorney who balances tax and liability issues in deciding form of ownership.

Government Links

U.S. Internal Revenue Service

U.S. Copyright Office

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 

U.S. Census Bureau  

Demographic data helpful in writing a business plan

Export.gov  

U.S. Government Export Portal One stop shop for exporting  

Financial Links

BizStats.com  

Financial statistics and ratios for many types of businesses.

Small Business Lenders (SBA)

Information on financing your business.

The Foundation Center  

Helping grant seekers for philanthropic organizations succeed

E-Marketing Links 

Superpages.com  

Excellent tutorial on the Internet, especially Tutorial 103 on How to Market Your Business Online. Can also request excellent free brochure by Verizon and SCORE.

Network Solutions  

Web site domain name registration. Search first to see if anyone else is already using it.

Microsoft Business Central  

Emarketing information, etc. for a price.

Yahoo! Small Business Center  

Excellent source for small business help

eBay Link to eBay, the world famous auction site

Business Development Links 

SCORE Business Plan Template for Established Businesses

SCORE Business Plan Template for Startup Businesses

My Own Business  

A free Internet training course on how to start a business, how to write a business plan, etc.

CCH Business Owners Toolkit  

Small business toolkit – starting, planning, financing, marketing

SBA Training  

Including Business Plan Preparation. The Small Business Training Network is a virtual campus housing free training courses, workshops and knowledge resources designed to assist entrepreneurs and other students of enterprise.

BPlans.com 

Business Planning Made Simple Sample business plans, software. 

Quicken Small Business Center  

Wide range of links, from Business Plan samples to legal forms of businesses

Other Useful Links

Check here for free reference information on starting or growing your own business. 

  1. Are you ready to be your own boss?

  2. Does owning your own business sound like a dream come true?

  3. Does franchise ownership interest you?

  4. Gather information before investing in a franchise

  5. Prepare a complete loan application package

  6. Business valuation critical before purchasing a small business

  7. Attitude and adrenaline impact business growth

  8. Include public relations in your marketing mix

  9. Your time is money, spend it well

10. Delegation delivers results

11. Plan for success, implement for results

12. Surf the net for small business information anytime

13. Choose the best location for your store

14. Know your market

15. Focus group research provides marketing insight

16. Retailers represent their customers

17. Advertising is an investment in retail results

18. Cooperative advertising is a retailer’s choice

19. Staff selection is critical to success

20.Review effort and reward performance

21. Obtain business insurance as a safeguard

22. How to avoid trouble when managing a family-owned business

23. Business figures provide valuable information

24. Is venture capital good for your business?

25. Lead by example to grow your business

26. Develop a succession plan for business leadership

27. Set up records for tax documentation

28. Find a new product for your manufacturing firm

29. Build consumer confidence in the small service shop

30. Life insurance can protect your business

31. How to prepare for business ownership

32. Are you ready to fly solo as an entrepreneur?

33. Choose the legal structure for your firm

34. Base your organization on business goals and objectives

35. Are you prepared to ask for a business loan?

36. Incorporating can open up sources of capital

37. An effective business owner solves problems

38. Sales growth helps you grow the business

39. Control costs to maximize profits

40. Do you need more effective inventory control?

41. Establish business controls to focus on goals

42. Marketing is an important element of business success

43. Signs grab attention that means instant impact

44. Retailers represent their customers

45. Is the customer always right?

46. Prevent cash register theft

47. Plan your advertising budget

48. Public relations is important for entrepreneurs

49. Successful entrepreneurs know when to ask for help

50. Learn more about the geography of your customers

51. Establish effective inventory controls

52. Personal service is a small business advantage

53. Hold employee meetings to promote communication

54. Small business owners should focus on training

55. Shop supervisors can be an asset

56. Take steps to prevent employee theft

57. Business life insurance is an important safeguard

58. Are there benefits to leasing equipment?

59. Real estate can provide collateral to secure financing

60. Capital financing can work for your business

61. Commercial finance companies are an alternative source of financing

62. Should you incorporate your business?

63. What are common incorporation requirements?

64. Guard against robbery, 1 of 2

65. Do not escalate an armed robbery, 2 of 2

66. Is business ownership the right choice for you?

67. Manage your time effectively

68. How to find promising job applicants

69. Good employee attitudes help you make money

70. Set goals for key employees