Small Business Resources
JOBS & BUSINESS
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
- Zig Ziglar -
There are a plethora of government and private resources available for small business owners. Below is a list of resources, and a good place to start when it comes to obtaining support for your small business.
U.S. Small Business Administration is a government agency that assists small businesses with startup assistance, resources, training, and even funding. The SBA's mission is to "maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by facilitating the establishment and viability of small businesses and assisting in the economic recovery of communities following disasters." SBA loans can assist a small business in obtaining the capital it requires to get its operations off the ground or to the next level.
SBA Learning Center is a website where the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a wealth of resources for aspiring, new, and established business owners. This collection of free online courses is divided into three sections: Planning Your Business, Launching Your Business, and Managing Your Business. Courses cover both basic topics like how to write a business plan and financing options, as well as more advanced topics like how to sell your business and recruit and retain employees. Find courses that will help you and your employees understand and grow the various aspects of running a successful business.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are SBA-provided state-specific startup resources that assist small business owners and entrepreneurs. On the SBA's website, you can find a list of small business development centers organized by state. If you want to connect with a local expert who can help you create a business plan or find funding for your company, contact your local office.
SCORE is a nonprofit organization that bills itself as "the nation's largest network of volunteer business experts," is one of the best resources for small businesses, with over 10,000 volunteers and 300 chapters to provide counseling, business tools, and training to business owners. SCORE provides templates for a variety of business plans, financial projections, startup costs, and marketing budgets, among other things. This is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs who are feeling overwhelmed and looking for assistance.
Formnet is a collaboration between Entrepreneur Magazine and SeamlessDocs that provides entrepreneurs with customizable form templates. Everything from business plans to general contracts falls under this category. This is a lifesaver for business owners who don't want to reinvent the wheel or waste time creating their own documents for these purposes. The service is free at its most basic level, but if you want help with document creation or premium content, you must pay a monthly fee.
IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center will help small business owners with their taxes. You'll find everything you need to file your taxes here, including forms and instructions. The IRS even has a video portal where you can learn about tax law and anything else you need to know as a small business owner. There are also educational products, virtual workshops, e-newsletters, and webinars available.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States is a government agency that provides vital information to small businesses. The BLS provides detailed information on the health of specific markets and industries, the average pay for certain professions (which you should be aware of during the hiring process), and other market-related information. It publishes publications with even more detailed information, ensuring that you always have your finger on the pulse of your industry and can make more informed business decisions as a result.
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and works to help minority-owned businesses. It offers information on loans, grants, and other business resources. According to the agency, it is the only one devoted to the "growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises." According to the agency, nearly 11 million businesses in the United States are minority-owned, employing over 6.3 million people and generating $1.8 trillion in revenue annually.
United States Department of Commerce: This Department is made up of 12 different agencies and promotes job creation and economic growth while also working to strengthen America's position in the global marketplace.
International Trade Administration Export Solutions: Provides information about export assistance programs and services provided by the United States Export Assistance Centers (USEACs). From their website: “Trade professionals at the U.S. Commercial Service, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, developed these Export Solutions to help U.S. exporters create successful international sales strategies. Learn about all aspects of exporting and world markets through these solutions, or take advantage of our local assistance or virtual services.”
FedBizOpps (Federal Business Opportunities): A database of federal government contracting opportunities.
HubSpot: A free and paid cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) tool. It also offers the HubSpot Academy for on-going training for leaders, department supervisors, and employees. There are dozens of free programs available, including quick courses and longer certification sessions, and earned badges can be displayed on websites and company bios.
Constant Contact: This is a small business-focused online marketing platform. It provides a number of tools for email, social media, online stores, and websites. Year-round, Constant Contact offers educational webinars, seminars, and local events. Consider registering for free events through Constant Contact if you've had to reduce your trade show activities or want to offer professional development opportunities to your employees.
HR.com: This website has free membership and resources help you manage human resources effectively. It offers e-learning courses, webcasts, and virtual events. You can find out about upcoming regulatory changes and assist your HR employees in obtaining Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications.
BusinessUSA: This is a one-stop shop for anyone interested in starting a small business. It is a free resource directory that connects business owners to information about government benefits, grants, and loans; commercial grants and loans; financial counseling and mentoring services; minority-owned and specialty business benefits, grants, and loans; insurance providers; and other financial options. In summary, BusinessUSA's website describes it as a "electronic gateway of financial resources and information."
National Business Association: A non-profit organization that helps self-employed and small business owners achieve their professional goals.
