Dec 25

Free Resources for New Business Owners

Business, Start a Business Add comments

images Below is a list of time saving resources to help you start formalizing  your new business.

OK. So you’re ready to start your own business…be your own boss…or are you? If you still have questions, below is a list of places offering free information that can assist you.

Consult phone books and web sites for local information. Remember to ask about any mailing lists, classes they offer, or additional contacts that would be helpful for you to add to this list.
Enjoy this list as a guide as you “plant the seeds” for your new venture and enjoy the networking opportunities.

1. Federal Agencies

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

  • Web site www.sba.gov
  • Toll Free: (800)U-ASK-SBA.
  • Request any free information and an order form for other publications.
  • Web site also has templates and sample Business Plans.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

  • Web site www.irs.treas.gov
  • Toll Free: (800) 829 – 3676.
  • Business Kit Publication # 454 includes an Employee Tax ID Form.
  • STEP (Small Business Tax Education Program) Publication # 1057, contains information on Business Tax Classes given in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.
  • Tell them what type of corporation you are thinking of becoming, how many employees, etc., so that they can send you other free, helpful publications.
  • Contact your local office to find out where you can attend a free business owners tax class.
  • Request a free copy of IRS Publication 3207, “The Small Business Resource Guide” at http://www.agora-business-center.com/sbacd.htm

Census Department Consumer

  • Web site www.census.gov
  • Call Customer Service at (301) 457 – 4100.
  • Your source for social, demographic and economic information.

Consumer Information Center

  • Web site: www.pueblo.gsa.gov
  • Toll free (888) 878 – 3256.
  • Order a Consumer’s Resource Handbook.
  • View their Small Business brochures on line.

2. State Agencies

3. County

  • Business Development Offices.
  • Small Business Incubators National site: www.nbia.org
  • Colleges for Small Business Centers, Continuing Education Classes, Business Seminars, Meetings.

4. City/Town

  • Chamber of Commerce (search using your city and county name).
  • Professional Groups – check phone books, too.
  • Develop a relationship with a Banker.
  • Interview CPA’s Use this “Tips for Hiring a CPA” as a guide. www.coachmaria.com/articles/cpa.html
  • Locate a Lawyer and start to develop a relationship.
  • Check local newspapers for organizations to join or volunteer to be a speaker.

5. The Internet

6. Bookstores

  • Bookstores give you a variety of great ideas.
  • Search the web for bookstores. www.amazon.com, www.bn.com are just two of many online bookstores.

7. Libraries

  • Many libraries have at least one free computer for patrons to use.
  • Ask the Librarians for information or advice.
  • Tell them about your business. Remember, people ask them for advice, too!
  • Check bulletin boards for information. They’re a great place to put your business card or brochure.

8. Friends

  • If you do not tell the people you know you’re looking for information or referrals, then they’ll never know…. ya know!!!

9. Family Members

  • Let everyone in your family know you’re starting a business… and watch all the free advice come in!

10. Other Business Owners

  • Contact other business owners that you know. Do I hear lunch anyone?
  • Ask for advice, referrals, and their business cards.
  • Start a referral book of local business owners.
  • Don’t forget to contact owners who do the same work as you, but who work in a different state/region/county. After all, since they aren’t the competition , they maybe more willing share their secrets of success with you!!
  • For encouragement, to keep focused, to bounce ideas off of, etc., hire a coach! Request a free 30-minute interview/consultation session here!

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