OK. So you're ready to start your own business...be your own boss...or are you? Below is a list of places offering free information that will assist you on your path to starting a business. Consult phone books and web sites for local information. Remember to ask about any mailing lists, classes they offer or for 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.

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 sample Business Plans.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Web site www.irs.ustreas.gov Toll Free: (800) 829 - 3676.
Business Kit Publication # 454 includes an Employee Tax ID Form.
STEP (Small Business Tax Education Program) Publication # 1057, will contain information on Business Tax Classes given in all 50 states, PR 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.

Census Department Consumer

Web site www.census.gov or 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.

State Agencies

Secretary of State and State Department of Revenue
Rural Business Development Center
Service Corps of Retired Executives SCORE www.score.org 800/634-0245.
Cooperative Extension Service Offices.

County

Business Development Offices
Small Business Incubators National site is www.nbia.org
Colleges for Small Business Centers, Continuing Ed Classes, Business Seminars, Meetings.

City/Town

Chamber of Commerce (search using your city and county name).
Professional Groups - check phone books too.
Your Banker, CPA and Lawyer.
Local newspapers for organizations to join or volunteer to be a Speaker.

The Internet

Search the WEB using a variety of search engines or directories such as:

Use the WEB to search for former colleagues and others to let them know about your business www.switchboard.com, www.infospace.com, www.four11.com are a few sites with phone and e-mail directories.

Join an e-mail list, newsgroup or business newsletters www.liszt.com

Bookstores

Visiting Bookstores can give you a variety of great ideas<
You can also search the web for bookstores. www.amazon.com and www.bn.com are two of the many on-line bookstores.

Libraries

Many libraries have at least one free computer for patrons 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 or to place your business card or brochure on it.

Friends

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

Family Members

Let everyone in your family know you're starting a business... and watch all the free advice come in!

Other Business Owners

Contact other business owners that you know. Do I hear lunch anyone?
Ask for advise, 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 do but who work in a different state/region/county. After all, they might be more apt to share their secrets of success with you!!
For encouragement, to keep focused, to bounce ideas off of, etc. etc. hire a coach! Initial consultations are usually free!

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips @stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

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