There are numerous resources available to Americans interested in starting or growing their small businesses. The organizations below provide assistance ranging from educating prospective entrepreneurs to finding a qualified lender to advocating for small businesses in Washington.
The Small Business Administration
Created in 1953, the SBA is an independent agency of the federal government established to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns. Through a network of field offices and private and public partnerships, the SBA serves to help Americans start, build and grow businesses.
SBA Home Page
Most Requested Items (how can I get an SBA loan?; does SBA provide grants to start businesses?)
Start a Business
Plan a Business
Manage a Business
SBA Services
SBA Programs
SBA Tools
Small Business Counseling and Assistance
Small Business Online Training
Disaster Assistance
Small Business in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
SBA in South Carolina - contact the SBA Office in Columbia for South Carolina-specific information and resources. You can also read the South Carolina Small Business Guide.
South Carolina Business One Stop - official state web portal for anyone with a business or starting a business in South Carolina.
South Carolina Small Business Resources
CRS Reports on Small Business Topics
The Congressional Research Service has published a number of documents that explain small business topics and programs in plain language.
Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs
Small Business Tax Benefits: Overview and Economic Rationale
Small Business Innovation Research Program
Small Business Expensing Allowance: Current Status, Legislative Proposals, and Economic Effects
Small Business Trade Associations
National Federation for Independent Businesses
National Association for the Self Employed
National Small Business Association
National Association of Manufacturers' Shop Floor Blog
Additional Small Business Resources
Small Business Guide to Government Grants and Loans
Federal Business Opportunities - a guide from CRS
Government Contracting
Information for Minority-Owned Businesses
Information for Self Employed Individuals
Information for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Information for Women-Owned Businesses
Veterans in Business VA Site
Business Licenses and Permits
Information on Franchise and Business Opportunities
Information on Importing and Exporting
Patent and Trademark Information
Complying with Employment and Labor Laws
Employee Benefits
Tax Information for Small Businesses
IRS Tax Information for Businesses
Assistance with Tax Problems
Federal Government Forms |
