Home | About AERN | Ask a Librarian | Information Resources | Web Resources | Tools
General Small Business Information
ABC's of Small Business (http://www.abcsmallbiz.com/)
Lots of guidance for small business, with plenty of humor along the way. Includes basic information, such as what to include in the business plan, marketing and promotion ideas, and plenty of tips for the person just starting out.
Alabama Small Business Development Consortium (http://www.asbdc.org/)
This website is sponsored by a consortium of the Small Business Development Centers throughout the state of Alabama. It provides many links to information resources specifically tailored for the small business in Alabama.
Small Business Guide to Doing Business in Alabama (http://www.asbdc.org/books.htm)
Also called "Alabama's Answers," this document gives basic information to help you start your small business in Alabama. It was compiled by the Alabama Small Business Development Consortium (see above). The document is available in Word or Acrobat format.
The One Stop Center (http://www.YourOneStopCenter.com)
The One Stop Center was created by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce to provide links and information on the business licenses, permits and taxes required by local, state and federal governments. Another useful section is The Startup Checklist, which covers the steps required to move from having a potential product or service to starting an actual business.
Business.gov (http://www.business.gov/)
This site is managed by the Small Business Administration, but represents information for small businesses from many federal government agencies. It offers numerous guides and tools for all phases of a small business' growth.
Small Business Administration's Small Business Training Network (http://www.sba.gov/training)
The Small Business Administration's Web site contains extensive resources to support every phase of small business activity. In this section you will find training courses, workshops, and other resources for small business owners.
National Federation of Independent Business (http://www.nfib.com)
Click on the "Tools and Tips" tab to find extensive information on owning and operating a small business. The NFIB is the "largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals."
SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business (http://www.score.org)
The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Web site provides numerous resources for small businesses at their Web site. In addition, small business owners are invited to request "email counselling" by submitting a question at the SCORE Web site. A SCORE volunteer will respond with suggestions and advice. The service is free and confidential.
AllBusiness (http://www.allbusiness.com)
This site offers extensive resources to support small businesses, with advice on issues like setting up vacation and sick leave policies or the best length for your business plan.
Peerspectives (http://www.peerspectives.org)
Sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation, this site contains hundreds of articles designed to help the small business owner who is past the start-up stage and ready to move to the next level of operation.
Small Business Advisor (http://www.isquare.com)
This site offers a combination of advice/tips and advertising for business services offered. Use the contents list at the left of the screen to browse through the useful sections, such as "BIZ FAQ's" or "The Advisor."