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Small Business Web Resources

The following is a short list of Web sites that may be of interest on this topic. Please keep in mind that we will also have print sources that will be useful.

Maine Resources

  • Business Answers - Exists to make it easier to start and conduct business in Maine . The Business Licensing Assistant conducts an online interview to determine what licenses and permits you need to start your business. A "How Do I" section answers common questions.
    http://www.maine.gov/businessanswers
  • Maine Small Business Development Centers - The focus of the Maine SBDC is to assist in the creation and maintenance of small businesses in Maine. There's general information here, as well as listings of local workshops, seminars, and conferences.
    http://www.mainesbdc.org
  • Maine.gov: Business - Many links are included under headings such as: starting a business, general information and requirements, business licensing, small business resources, employer resources, and many more.
    http://www.maine.gov/portal/business

National Resources

  • U.S. Small Business Administration - This site offers general information on starting your own business. Specific topics such as starting, financing and managing a business are covered in depth. This site features links to other sites, including local SBA offices.
    http://www.sba.gov
  • Small Business Development Center National Information Clearinghouse - The SBDCNET's purpose is to "empower the entrepreneur with business information." Among the many resources here are business plans, industry research, home business information, and best practices. A wonderful place to start.
    http://sbdcnet.utsa.edu/
  • Internal Revenue Service: Small Business/Self-Employed- For employers, a one-stop guide to federal and state tax and wage reporting information. This site takes you through the process of starting a business, hiring employees, and reporting requirements. Find commonly used tax forms and other tax-related sites here.
    http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small
  • Business.gov - A project of the Small Business Administration, this site provides information and services for small businesses interacting with the federal government. In partnership with several federal executive departments and with independent agencies and government corporations, the SBA here provides tools necessary for the "starting, running, and growing" of a small business. Many topics are covered here, including business laws and regulations, government contracting, taxes, employees, and finances. (Information formerly found at the BusinessLaw site has been incorporated here.)
    http://www.business.gov
  • MoreBusiness.com - The basics on starting, incorporating, and financing a business are here. You can also find many templates, from sample business agreements to a variety of press releases.
    http://www.morebusiness.com
  • Office of Women's Business Ownership - "Business Basics" cover general topics such as starting a business and marketing, as well as financing and expansion. There's also an opportunity for networking and coverage of "hot topics", including disaster assistance and e-commerce.
    http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/onlinewbc/
  • Entrepreneur Start-Up Kit - Kits offer industry, market, and operations information for over 40 types of businesses.   Suggestions for creating a business plan and researching opportunities are included.
    http://www.entrepreneur.com/toolkit
  • Librarians' Index to the Internet: Business, Finance, & Jobs - Librarians' Index to the Internet is a directory of outstanding web sites on hundreds of topics.This page leads to many helpful sites for a business owner, from accounting to wages, small business to labor unions.
    http://lii.org/search/file/busfinjobs