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.