Starting a business can be a very challenging task. Coming up with ideas and guidance for getting together a business plan, seeking financing and generating ideas can be tough. Because this is the foundation of a business, it’s important to have the proper guidance when starting. I was recently given a few sites that can point any business owner in the right direction to get their business off the ground.
The first website, Inc. (inc.com), is a great source for anyone looking to get a little more social with their business. It offers links to its own social network pages as well as links to blogs. There are news feeds on any subject along with an abundance of how-to information. The site is visually pleasing but also has real information to get business owners started.
US Small Business Association (sba.gov) provides a good deal of information about funding. There is an entire dropdown menu for contracting as well as a dropdown for Counseling and Training. The latter section contains many videos and articles that give step-by-step instructions on how to start a business. I like the feature that lets you put in your business zip code and gives you a list of agencies that assist business owners in the area.
National Venture Capital Association (nvca.org) is probably the most professional of the three sites because it comes with membership and discounts. Discounts are perhaps the most attractive part of this site. Most of the information on this site is free but if you choose to purchase a membership then you can receive discounts on webcasting, conferencing, investing and distribution services. This site also gives many options for acquiring financing through real investors, loans and grants for non-profit organizations.
Not one of these sites alone could provide you with the information needed to start your business. Each of these sites has something to take from it that will make your own business stronger. William Thompson, one of my instructors mentioned, “There is more money out there than good ideas”. Many investors don’t want to take a risk on small businesses so business owners have to make their business unique and show they're hungry for opportunities.
http://www.inc.com/
http://www.sba.gov/
http://www.nvca.org/
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