United States Business Tools

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a comprehensive resource for small business owners and managers. The SBA provides many free programs and services to help small businesses get started, grow, and become successful.

• Comprehensive Resource Library
• Delivering Success video series highlighting successful entrepreneurs
• Forms to apply for SBA certifications and assistance
• Free online training on business planning, starting a business, management, finance and accounting, federal taxes, and more.
• Newsletters and publications
• Training podcasts on a variety of topics

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS online resource for small businesses and self-employed individuals has a wealth of information about tax regulations and compliance. Resources include:

• Details on filing, organizing, and paying business taxes
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) information and application forms
• Industry specific taxation information
• Information on starting, operating, and closing a business
• Online training and educational products related to tax issues
• Small Business Forms and Publications

United States Postal Service

The Postal Service provides many United States business tools to help small business owners manage their postage and shipping needs.

• Direct mail advertising training for small businesses.
• Find any zip code with the online zip code lookup service.
• Save time by ordering stamps online.
• Schedule free package pickup.
• Various other services for small businesses.

Chamber of Commerce

Most chambers of commerce provide a variety of business tools for their members. For example, the Mobile, AL Chamber offers unique opportunities for networking, promotion, and training to its members. The organization also publishes a monthly magazine featuring member news and provides members with valuable information about the local business community.

Most metropolitan areas have similar organizations offering the same types of valuable tools to members. The Chamber Search Directory provided by the United States Chamber of Commerce can help you locate the Chamber of Commerce in your area.

SCORE

The Senior Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is one of the most unique and valuable United States business tools for entrepreneurs. Retired executives volunteer their time to provide free and confidential business advice to business owners and those who are thinking about starting businesses. SCORE has provided invaluable assistance to America’s entrepreneurs since 1964.

• Business Templates
• Business Toolbox
• Disaster Preparedness resourcess
• Counseling and Training
• How-to Articles
• Workshops at offices throughout the country.

United States Business Tools Corporate Resources

Many corporations provide free services, resources, and tools for small business owners and managers.

IBM Small Business Toolkit

• Free Web seminars on topics of interest to small business owners.
• Free expert advice from Jim Blasingame and an independent network of more than 500 experts.
• Free SME Toolkit with tools for small businesses in emerging markets.

Intuit’s Jump Up Community for Small Business

The company that makes QuickBooks provides the Jump Up Community as a free, online resource for entrepreneurs. The website features many tools and services for professionals on topics like business planning, marketing, structuring a new business, taxes, accounting, and much more. Members are able to network with other business owners and benefit from a wealth of resources put together by the experts at Intuit.

Microsoft Small Business Center

• Comprehensive Resource featuring product and security information, articles, research, webcasts, and more

Additional Resources for US Businesses

Informational Resources

• 2SmallBusiness – small business ideas, finance, and marketing
• AllBusiness – business advice, forms, tools, and services
• BusinessBalls - free management and training templates, resources, and tools
• BusinessInfoGuide – resources and industry information for entrepreneurs
• BusinessOwnersIdeaCafe – ideas on starting, financing, marketing, and operating businesses
• Buzz Gate - global resource for small business
• DailyBizSolutions – business growth and management tools and tips
• MoreBusiness – site for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs
• SmallBusinessResources – informational resources for small business success
• SmartBiz – Internet technology resources for small businesses and startups

Download Free Computer Software

• 4GreatSoftware.com
• Download3k.com
• Download.com
• Free Business Downloads at FreeDownloadsCenter.com
• FreewareFiles.com
• Tucows.com

Magazines

• Biztech (small business technology magazine)
• Business Week
• Enterprise Magazine
• Entrepreneur
• Growing Business
• Inc.
• My Business Mag (official publication of National Federation of Business Owners)
• Pink
• Small Business Computing
• Small Business Opportunities
• Small Business Technology

Utilize Available Resources

With so many tools and resources available to business owners and managers, it is certainly true that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you are faced with a new business challenge. By taking advantage of many of the business tools provided by government agencies, corporations, online resources, and business media, it can be easy to gather the information you need to make informed decisions about your business.