Business & the Internet
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August 1-15, 1996
Get online help in minutes from the government.

Index
Open for business
Your taxes working for you
Free support and more from the SBA

Government seals With the power of the World Wide Web at your fingertips, you can get government information that is especially useful to you as a small business. In just 30 minutes, you can find help with everything from answers about the Americans with Disabilities Act to federal disaster assistance. And the more you browse, the more you will find detailed information on assistance and opportunities for small businesses.

Open for business

The federal government is a maze of branches, departments, agencies, and offices. To successfully navigate your way through the halls of power, the federal has government developed a helpful tool called the U.S. Business Advisor Web site. It was designed to help businesses work with the government by providing information on and links to the various offices that impact businesses. You will find answers to common questions, how-to information, "plain English" search and browse functions, and news on business-related topics. The following are just some of links you will find:

  • Get Forms and Directory of Small Business Lending from SBA - You may be eligible for an SBA loan. Download SBA loan forms and listings of small business lending reported by commercial banks.
  • Get Employer’s Quick Reference Guide to Social Security - A quick reference guide to help you meet your end-of-year wage reporting requirements.
  • Do Business with GSA - Uncle Sam wants to buy your goods and services! This site explains how to find business opportunities with GSA (General Services Administration).
Your taxes working for you

Trying to understand the tax rules and regulations can be a big headache. But paying the incorrect amount of taxes is worse. The IRS Web site has a section just for small business that can help you correctly pay the piper.

The IRS offers a variety of publications, videos, services, and workshops-many of them free-that are designed to help the small business owner. You’ll find electronic filing and payment of tax returns, plus:

  • Publication 910 - A cross-reference of IRS publications designed to help small businesses meet their tax obligations.
  • Small Business Tax Education (STEP) Program-Workshops and seminars for small businesses.
  • Small Business and Taxes-A tax kit with a videotape that discusses record keeping and accounting methods.
Free support and more from the SBA

Launching a small business is challenging enough - keeping it afloat is tougher still. The Small Business Administration (SBA) was developed specifically to support small businesses in their efforts by providing ideas and resources. Thanks to the SBA web site, getting help is even easier for time-strapped entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The SBA web site is a great starting point for people thinking about starting a business and those who already have begun the great American dream. There are specific pages with advice for starting, financing, and expanding a small business. This site is comprehensive and also contains information on the different offices within the SBA, including the Office of Government Contracting, the Office of International Trade, and the Office of Business Initiatives.

The SBA offers an online bulletin board service (BBS). There is no fee for this service, which provides of information you can use to start, run, or expand your business. This service is accessible from the web site or by using a PC, modem, and standard communication software.

Make your tax dollars and your time work for you! Spend 30 minutes taking advantage of valuable government assistance and resources on the World Wide Web--and expand the world of resources open to your small business.