Business Resources

May 12, 2016

Government Resources for Small Business

American FactFinder – (http://factfinder2.census.gov) ) If you need to know the demographics of your community or the community your business targets, head over to American FactFinder where you’ll find census information on population, housing, the economy, and more.

Small Business USA – (https://www.usa.gov/businessThis web portal is a one-stop-shop for everything related to business in the USA. Thoughts, input, and resources from the following agencies make this site a must for any small business owner: Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and more. 

Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) – (http://www.fbo.gov) FedBizOpps is a database of federal government contracting opportunities.  Businesses and government buyers can post, search, monitor, and discover opportunities to work with the federal government.

FedStats – (https://www.data.gov/) This government database provides a full range of official statistical information that is provided by the federal government. Over 100 agencies contribute information on valuable topics for such as population trends, health care, small business, banking, and employment.

IRS Small Business Portal – (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html) This site has resources to help you answer your small business tax questions. The site also gives you access to forms and publications, a video library, an event calendar, and other online tools and products.

Minority Business Development Agency – (http://www.mbda.gov) MBDA, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is an organization dedicated to supporting businesses in minority communities. Visit their website to find grant and loan information, business opportunities, business certification resources and more.

National Association for the Self-Employed – (http://www.nase.org) This non-profit membership association partners with small business to ensure that they have the resources and benefits they need by representing the small business community in Washington. 

National Business Association – (http://www.nationalbusiness.org) The NBA partners with small business owners to provide resources and benefits. The NBA leverages its group buying power to provide its members with support programs, useful products and services, and business-building resource materials. 

National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) – (http://www.nfib.com) NFIB is a non-profit business association that represents a small and independent business. The National Federation of Independent Business is the leading small business association representing small and independent businesses in all 50 states as well as in Washington. The NFIB leverages its buying power to provide access to products and services at discounted prices. They also provide a variety of educational resources and an event calendar on their website.

National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) – (www.nwbc.gov) Created to provide independent advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress, and the US Small Business Administration, this non-partisan advisory council focuses on economic issues that are important to female business owners.

SCORE – (http://www.score.org)  SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business,” is an SBA resource partner, dedicated to entrepreneur education.  SCORE helps people start, grow, and manage businesses around the country.  With 340+ chapters nationwide, SCORE has over 12,000 volunteers with years of business experience available to help small business owners through one-on-one counseling, business tools, and training programs.

Small Business Administration (SBA) – (http://www.sba.gov) The SBA provides training and small business counseling through its partners across the country (like SCORE and SBDCs). The SBA has district offices in all 50 states where their specialists can help you start and grow your businesses and connect you with the resources and training you need to succeed. 

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – (http://www.asbdc-us.org/) SBDCs provide management assistance to current and aspiring business owners. Resources vary by location but typically include things like assistance with business planning, access to financing, counseling services, and classes. With branch locations around the country, SBDCs are a collaborative effort between federal, state and local governments and the private sector.  For New Jersey, visit http://www.njsbdc.com/

Small Business Legislative Council – (http://www.sblc.org) Concerned with the future of small business, the SBLC is a coalition of trade and professional associations who purpose is to maximize the influence of business on policy issues and to educate small business owners about the impact of public policy on their operations.

Social Security Online – (http://www.ssa.gov) this site enables submit information to and conduct business with the Social Security Administration. File W-2, verify social security numbers and more.

US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Nation – (http://www.uschambersmallbusinessnation.com) As the world’s largest business federation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce represents over 3 million businesses. The membership is dominated by small businesses with 100 employees or less. The Chamber’s website has helpful resources, handy toolkits on a variety of business topics and information on how you can get your voice heard in Washington.

US Department of Commerce Department – (http://www.commerce.gov) The Commerce Department works to make American businesses more innovative and competitive – stateside and abroad. Comprised of 12 different agencies, the Department promotes job creation, economic growth, and works to strengthen America’s position in the global marketplace.

US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics – (http://www.bls.gov) If you want to keep up-to-date with what is going on with America’s workforce, check out the BLS website.  You’ll find plenty of information on working conditions, labor market activity, and price changes in the economy. The BLS takes provides this information and provides products and services that are educational and eye-opening. Check out their maps, calculators and more.

US Export Assistance Center (USEACs) – (http://www.export.gov/eac)  Export.gov is a collaboration between 19 federal agencies that offer export assistance programs and services that help American exporters through the international sales process and avoid common pitfalls and legal issues.

US Patent and Trademark Office – (http://www.uspto.gov) This federal agency grants U.S. patents and registers trademarks. If you’re developing a business or idea, you’ll want to protect it, and this office provides the services you need to make that happen. 

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) – (https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/wbc) The WBCs national network includes almost 100 education centers that help women start and grow businesses. Each center offers management and technical assistance in addition to training and counseling.

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council – (http://www.wbenc.org) – The WBENC) provides assistance to Corporate Members, certified women’s business enterprises (WBEs), and government entities. They provide access to experts, educational webinars, a mentoring program, and a variety of programs and events throughout the year.