Starting Up
So
you want to strike out on your own, but you're not quite sure how to go
about it? These resources can help you decide which type of business is
right for you and how to get the ball rolling.
About.com: Invention 101
There are plenty of opportunities for inventors to get their projects
funded and distributed, but there are a lot of scams out there as well.
About.com's portal of invention information is a decent launching point
for your search into legitimate opportunities.
Business Owner's Toolkit
Many publishers of small business books maintain Websites carrying free
advice, but few of their sites are as comprehensive and generous as
CCH's Business Owner's Toolkit. On top of advice columns and an
extensive SOHO Guidebook, the Toolkit also allows you to download
dozens of checklists, model business plans, administrative forms, and
other documents.
Center for Business Planning
Learn how to put together a standout business plan by reviewing the
guidelines laid out on this site or perusing the prize-winning plans
archived here. Or click through the extensive directory of links for a
wealth of information on planning and running a business.
Entreworld
Produced by the nonprofit Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial
Leadership, Entreworld brings management advice and small biz resources
to your fingertips in a straightforward way. Read first-hand accounts
of the business challenges tackled by entrepreneurial luminaries like
Guy Kawasaki…or discover the cheapest way to buy office furniture.
The Franchise Registry
If you're interested in buying a franchise, check out the SBA-sponsored
Franchise Registry to see if the business qualifies for a government
loan. You can search an online database of franchises, then apply for
the registry online.
International Franchise Association
Whether you're interested in buying a franchise, franchising your
existing business or supplying products to a franchise network, you
ought to visit the IFA's Website. Its many resources include databases
of franchise opportunities and suppliers.
National Federation of Independent Business
The NFIB lobbying group claims over 600,000 members. If you want to
keep up on national and local developments affecting your business or
find advice for running your independent business, keep this site
bookmarked.
SBA Online
The Small Business Administration's site, while a bit dry, is chock
full of information on subjects such as running a startup, getting a
business loan, and buying a franchise. It can also plug you into
inexpensive government resources, such as your local Small Business
Development Centers and Women's Business Centers.
Service Corps of Retired Executives
You may be just starting out, but the SCORE advisors have been there,
done that--and want to share their experiences with you. This
government-funded group matches small-business owners with retired
executives who've been successful in their fields. The site's simple
design makes it easy to contact mentors via e-mail and research
small-business topics.
StartupNation
Brothers Jeff and Rich Sloan are startup specialists who host a
high-energy nationally syndicated radio show, answering entrepreneurial
questions and offering small-business tips. To get the benefit of their
experience as entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, listen to the
radio show on their site, sign up for their weekly newsletter, or, for
a fee, choose more extensive coaching
Tradenet's Export Advisor
Does your product have a market overseas? Then this U.S. government
portal of information about trade leads, financing, and practices
should be your first stop on the Web.
U.S. Business Advisor
The U.S. government has several online gateways to information about
starting and growing a business, but the U.S. Business Advisor is
probably the easiest to navigate. Start here to find free resources for
virtually any business topic.
WomanOwned
Do you have what it takes to start your own business? This Website includes a series of answers
to questions such as "How will my age affect my business goals?" to
help you assess whether you should start a company and how you should
proceed. And if you want to take the self-examination a bit further,
you can go to the busy InfoExchange bulletin board to ask others what they think of your plan, your Website, or whatever.
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