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	Free Information For Businesses

	by Maria Marsala

Okay. 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

Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov/)
Internal REVENUE Service (www.irs.treas.gov)
CENSUS Department Consumer (www.census.gov/)
Consumer Information Center (www.pueblo.gsa.gov)
Government Sponsored ELECTRONIC Commerce Resource Centers (www.ecrc.ctc.com)

STATE AGENCIES

ATTORNEY General's Office (www.naag.org/about/ag1.cfm)
Secretary Of State and State Department Of Revenue (check your government blue pages)
Small Business TECH Development Center (www.businessfinance.com)
RURAL Business Development Center (check your government blue pages)
Service Corps Of Retired EXECUTIVES (www.score.org/)
Cooperative Extension Service Offices (check your government blue pages)

YOUR COUNTY

Business Development Offices (check your government blue pages)
Small Business INCUBATORS National (www.nbia.org)
COLLEGES offering Small Business Centers, Continuing Education Classes, Business Seminars, and Meetings (check your yellow pages)

YOUR LOCAL CITY OR TOWN

CHAMBER of Commerce (search using your city and county name)
professional groups (check the phone book and local newspaper)
develop RELATIONSHIPS with a banker, an attorney, and an accountant
check local newspapers for ORGANIZATIONS to join or volunteer to be a speaker

LIBRARIES

Many libraries have at least one free computer for patrons to use. Ask the Librarians for information or advice. Tell them about your business. Remember, people ask them for advice too! And check BULLETIN boards for information. They're a great place to put your business card or brochure, too.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

If you do not TELL the people you know you're looking for information or referrals, then they'll never know...ya know!!! Let everyone in 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 advice, 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, but who work in a different state, region, or county. After all, they might be more apt to share their secrets of success with you!!

Maria Marsala is the owner of Maria's Place for Holistic Evolution, a nationally recognized Life and Business Development Coaching and Consulting Company. Maria's Place provides clients -- who are committed to having an impact on the world -- personal and professional services including coaching, consulting, training, seminars, administrative support and computer/web services. Visit website at www.coachmaria.com.

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