Featured Resources
- Business Plan Handbooks
- Available to members of Thrall. "For those looking for examples of how to approach, structure and compose their own business plans, the handbooks present sample plans taken from businesses in the manufacturing, retail and service industries. Typical business plans include type of business; statement of purpose; executive summary; business/industry description; market; product and production; management/personnel; and financial specifics. Also featured is a listing of organizations, agencies, and consultants; a glossary of small business terms; and an updated bibliography."
- Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA)
- Search a database of millions of U.S. Businesses (updated monthly) or a residential listing database of over 100 Million U.S. Households.
Web Resources
- The American Association of Franshises and Dealers
- "The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) came into existence to provide a counter balance in the franchising industry. The AAFD acts to educate the public regarding fair franchise practices, quality franchise opportunities, and to expose the unethical practices that have too long existed in the franchising community. The AAFD believes balance can be achieved through a process of education combined with the encouragement and support for trademark specific franchisee associations seeking to achieve Total Quality Franchise Relationships." Topics include Market Support, Legal and Financial Support, and Legislative Support.
- Business Insights: Essentials (formerly Business and Company Resource Center)
- Home users: login using your library card barcode number.
- Business the State of New York
- This site provides information on all things business in New York State. It provides links to acquiring licenses, starting an LLC, as well as a guide to owning and opperating a small business in NY
- BusinessDictionary
- Twenty thousand business terms defined.
- Business Statistics - BizStats.com
- Instant access to useful financial ratios, business statistics and benchmarks. Effective and understandable analysis of businesses and industries.
- Consumer Expenditure Survey
- From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this website reports on the buying habits of American consumers.
- DoingBusiness.org
- The Doing Business Project provides reports and research concerning international economies and business regulation trends. Some topics of note in their yearly publication include Starting a Business, Getting Credit, Protecting Investors, and Paying Taxes.
- eCommerce
- Websites in our Consumer Information guide.
- Entrepreneurship
- "The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the U.S. Commerce Department's International Trade Administration (ITA) have formed a new public-private partnership focused on leveraging best practices in entrepreneurial leadership to advance economic growth around the world."
- International Franchise Association
- Information and links to 1,250 franchises as well as general information about franchising.
- GovSites: Small Business Resources
- A directory of information available from the U.S. Government.
- How Stuff Works: Starting A Business Library
- Topics include franchising, venture capital, legal structures, office space, online business, and marketing plans.
- JAN: Entrepreneurship
- From the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), this is a directory of resources for the small business owner. JAN stands for "Job Accommodation Network."
- Jim Blasingame: The Small Business Advocate
- Host and creator of the Small Business Advocate a weekday radio talk show devoted to small business, Jim Blasingame provides fundamentals and inspiration to entrepreneurs on his website as well.
- SBA Learning Center
- From the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Over sixty different thirty minute courses on topics in financing, government contracting, business management, marketing, and starting a business.
- SBDCNet National Information Clearinghouse
- Helpful information including a planning checklist, naming your business, business plans and more. The SBDC National Information Clearinghouse is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
- Small Business
- "Learn the steps to start a small business, get financing help from the government, and more." Special features include a Business Keyword Search and State Business Resources. From USA.gov.
- Small Business Marketing - Wall Street Journal
- News for small businesses from the Wall Street Journal. Includes a search engine for business opportunities for sale.
