Free Resources To Help Your Business

There are many resources available to help entrepreneurs and those aspiring to succeed as entrepreneurs. It is suggested that entrepreneurs seek assistance from federal and local governments, small business assistance programs at colleges and universities, and non-profit or private organizations. In addition there are a variety of online sources and publications that can assist the novice and established entrepreneur in being successful.

The Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) helps people to start and grow businesses. It was created to assist small businesses in being able to compete in the free market and protect the interests of small businesses. They provide such services as helping to find a mentor, locating resources to help finance business ventures, getting licenses and permits, and even filing bankruptcy, transferring ownership, or selling the business. The SBA also provides free online training courses on preparing business plans and strategic planning.

Some colleges and universities have small business development centers. They are designed to provide assistance to help businesses become more successful. They provide workshops on developing business plans, financing business ventures, everything you need to know about taxes, and how to market your business. In addition, they offer services such as advice from law professors, podcasts, blogs, and small business networks.

Like federal governments, state economic departments provide services to assist small businesses in being successful. Some have financial assistance programs in a variety of areas such as, pollution prevention, exporting, and waste.

The United Nations Development Programme (www.undp.org) is the United Nations global development network. It is an organization that advocates for change and is interested in global and national development changes. They focus on advocating change in the areas of, democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and energy, and HIV/AIDS. They help countries with securing aid. This would be a great resource for social entrepreneurs who are seeking to impact social change in a variety of countries.

National Association for the Self-Employed (www.news.nase.org) is an organization founded by small business owners to provide consolidated buying power that corporations benefit from. Its purpose is to assist in the growing of small businesses by providing access to benefits and promoting the interests of small business owners among legislators.

Small Biz Trends (www.smallbiztrends.com) is an online resource that provides information and guidance to help businesses grow. It provides ideas and information for creating business plans, naming the business, raising money and marketing. Not only does it assist with information that is necessary to start a business, but it also provides information important to sustaining a successful business such as: exporting, accounting, human resources, real estate, and franchising.

Inc. Magazine is a publication that provides case studies and a variety of information on marketing and managing, among other things. It details growing companies the keys to their successes.

Entrepreneur Magazine is a publication specifically designed for small business owners. It provides information on various issues such as finances, taxes, publicity and advertising tips.

So no matter your entrepreneurial needs, there is a resource available to assist you in various tasks or can connect you with other resources. It is important to use all resources available as it can save money and time.

Know of another organization, website, or publication? Leave it in the comments below.