Business

BUSINESS SEARCH ENGINES

• MANTA.COM

  Business search engine-find businesses in your area such as electricians, etc. & see company profiles. There is the Manta Small Business Community where you can learn about promoting your business and much more. News and advice, small business basics, webinars and research.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

• SBA.GOV

  A website of the U.S. Government-Small Business Administration; Information on starting your business, including financing and other resources that cover every aspect of what you need to start and sustain a business. There is a blog covering subjects such as How to Start a Retail Business, Becoming a Street Vendor, and more. Also has info on how to get into government contracting. There is a Learning Center with online courses such as “Taking Your High-Tech Product to Market”, “Understanding Your Customer”, “Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights” and many other course offerings. In addition there are listings of local SBA district offices and other agency resources.

• SCORE.ORG

  The Website of the Service Corps of Retired Executives, an organization which provides the services of retired business executives as mentors to those interested in starting new businesses. The website provides business advice, startup information, and many more resources, including SCORE locations where you can connect with a mentor. This organization is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which also offers SCORE as a resource to entrepreneurs.

START UP INFO / VENTURE CAPITAL / FUNDING RESOURCES

• ANGELCAPITALASSOCIATION.ORG

  Information and resources to support entrepreneurs, as well as “Find an Angel” search where you can look through member listings and investment policies.

• NATIONAL VENTURE CAPITAL ASSOCIATION

  Advocates for public policy; a robust site full of Information and resources to support entrepreneurs who are seeking funding.

• STARTONPURPOSE.COM

  A directory of funding resources for high-tech and low-tech businesses from startup to ready-to-cash-out scenarios. Get a free customized report on debt and equity resources that are funding businesses in your state or industry. Step by step guidance on how to solicit investors and lenders; encouragement and other resources.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP-RESOURCES / STUDIES / INFO

• GEMCONSORTIUM.ORG

  The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor – from its website: “The world’s foremost study of entrepreneurship”. A large amount of information and studies can be accessed here; this is a comprehensive resource for those seeking information about global entrepreneurship.

• STARTUPGENOME.COM

  This organization researches entrepreneurship with founders, involving global and local partners, and provides comprehensive research on startups and yearly reports for the “Global Startup Ecosystem” as well as a blog.

INVENTIONS / PATENTS / MARKETING

• INVENTHELP.COM

  From the website – this is an invention service company that will help you patent and submit your invention ideas to companies. As with any service, there are fees involved and a helpful FAQ section explains their approach.

• IDEABUYER.COM

  This company offers intellectual property protection, branding and marketing materials, product development services, manufacturing management and other services related to the development of unique ideas/invventions by individuals or companies. It also offers a service which can list a product idea for prospective buyers to consider purchasing.

PRODUCT SEARCH ENGINES/SUPPLIERS/WHOLESALE

• ALIBABA.COM

  World wholesale & retail products market. Find suppliers by country if desired, or search for product type in all countries included on the website. You can join as a supplier if desired. You can also source from industry hubs in different countries. Instant chat with Ali Trade Manager, get quick quotations on merchandise, use professional purchasing agents if desired.

• INDUSTRYNET.COM

  IndustryNet is an online supplier directory which can be searched at no charge to find manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in North America for a wide variety of industries. There are free tools for buyers to request competitive quotes and information from prospective suppliers.