Small Business Online Resources

Government Business Information

www.sba.gov — This is the site of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This site organizes information into four easy-to-navigate categories:

Small Business Planner – In this category you will find documents on how to write a business plan, sample business plans, finding a market niche, and how to use your business plan.
Services – Here you will find information on financial assistance, disaster planning, and online training courses.
Tools – Information on laws, statistics, reports, monthly web chat, and forms.
Local Resources – This category refers you to the nearest SBA office.

http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/resources.htm — View a step-by-step guide in either English or Spanish that includes a Chamber of Commerce directory, guidelines for choosing a business structure, how to file tax and employer identification documents, a checklist of starting a business, and much more. You can also find a list of business resources including different state departments, a list of trade associations and partners, a list of California codes and new legislation in California. This is a government site, and therefore provides up-to-date, necessary information.

http://www.irs.gov/retirement — This site provides information on some of the different retirement plans available.

www.business.gov — This site directs you to various articles and websites categorized by Business Areas, Industries, and Audiences. Go to this site, click on the topic and receive a list of resources that can help you!

http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/womeninbusiness — This is a resource of the U.S. Small Business Administration that addresses the needs of women and provides information on different opportunities and topics related to women in business.

Interactive Sites

www.score.org — SCORE is a resource of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE counselors are retired professionals who volunteer their time to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs. This site offers among other things, tips for small businesses and access to SCORE members via email.

www.ideacafe.com — Idea Café is an interactive website that provides much-needed and professional advice on topics such as Starting a Business, Business Ideas, Business Financing, and Marketing & More. You can read about what other entrepreneurs have done, and it even has a Small Business Grant Center. You can view information already posted and ask questions online.

www.toolkit.cch.com — This site offers extensive information that can help you begin your business. You can download hundreds of forms including IRS Tax forms and Government Contracting forms. It also has an "Ask Alice" advice section and provides access to many national and international trade regulations. Membership is free.

Online Courses

www.myownbusiness.org — Run by a non-profit organization, this site offers free, online business courses divided into 14 sessions including topics on Accounting and Cash Flow, International Trade, Buying a Business or Franchise, and Opening and Marketing.

http://www.free-ed.net — This site is a free online educational site that offers courses in business, management, sales, entrepreneurship, and economics using video and interactive models.

Business Tools

http://www.bplans.com/samples/index.cfm?affiliate=bplans — This site provides samples of business and marketing plans for various industries including: restaurants, real estate, coffee shops, and online stores to name just a few.

www.smallbizmanager.com — Small Biz Manager reviews, screens and lists business services and products for all your business needs. For example you can find the top 15 banks that are “small business friendly,” where to go for marketing or statistical information, where to look for web domain names, and more.

http://www.businessknowhow.net/bkh/startup.htm — This site offers a wide range of information for small businesses such as a Business Directory, Message Boards, Legal Forms, Labor Law Posters, and a special item — the start-up calculator. The calculator helps you determine if you have enough capital to start a business and gives you a chance to plan your business finances.

Business Finance/Legal Issues

www.businessfinance.com — This site provides detailed information regarding loan and capital sources from over 4,000 lenders, business credit, and writing a loan request. You can also take advantage of a section that matches you up with the best finance options related to your life and business.

www.nolo.com — This site features articles related to business law. It offers through its “Nolopedia,” brief articles relating to businesses such as business deductions, hiring, and business taxes. Go to this site, click on the Business & Human Resources tab on the upper left-hand side of the homepage and find legal information you need as a small business owner.

Other

http://my.safaribooksonline.com — This is online book site where you can find, download and read books on business topics and technology.

www.elance.com — This site matches buyers and sellers of services that can be delivered over the Web, by mail, fax, phone or email — from consultation involving marketing, web development, accounting, and more.

http://www.sbtechnologymagazine.org — You can sign up for their Digital Essential edition which is a free on-line magazine that is released quarterly that provides small businesses with the latest technology information. It is a great publication, no matter what your technological knowledge is.

http://www.magazinecity.net/categories-trade---professional-journals.html —You can find and order subscriptions to various trade and professional journals related to your business.

http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com —You can build up your online presence with your choice of three plans offered by Yahoo! Plans include Starter, Standard, and Professional with prices from 11.95 to 39.95 per month.

www.entrepreneur.com — Offers financial calculators, downloadable business forms, franchise information by category, along with articles on various subjects.

http://www.sce.com/EconomicDevelopment/EmergingBusinesses/BusinessGuidebooks/default.htm — Southern California Edison offers Economic Development Business Guidebooks on the following topics: Financing, Marketing, Legal, Manufacturing, Technology, Workers Compensation. These guidebooks are current and available with Adobe Acrobat reader.

On-Site Reference Materials — These are books, handouts, and guides that are available in the SBSC office.