Starting a small business can be exciting, yet somewhat intimidating in terms of how many things the entrepreneur must keep in mind. From business insurance to licensing, financing, and hiring, the entrepreneur needs resources on hand to meet these challenges. The very first thing is the Company Name Registration that a business start-up should never forget.
Entrepreneurs will be happy to know that the web offers numerous online business education resources that can help them in starting a business every step of the way.
Online Education for the Entrepreneur: The SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an essential resource for the entrepreneur who is starting a small business. Its purpose is to foster success in the launch, growth, and small businesses management.
Using the SBA website, entrepreneurs can take online classes, plan their business, obtain loans and financing, and manage their small business. The SBA also features updated information on significant changes to SBA programs vis-a-vis the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Online Education for the Entrepreneur: StartupNation
StartupNation is another website that is essential to the entrepreneur. The site features a comprehensive suite of small business topics, advice, communities, media, resources, and services.
StartupNation’s “10 Steps to Open for Business” is an excellent free online class designed to help entrepreneurs achieve success in launching a small business. StartupNation’s services are very helpful as well and include franchising business opportunities, website design, press releases, toll free numbers, vendor quotes, and more.
Online Education for the Entrepreneur: The FTC
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) features a section on business information in their Consumer Protection section.
While the FTC is focused mainly on business law enforcement and regulatory guidance, it also offers wide-ranging business information. Topics include franchise and business opportunities and resources for a business.
Online Education for the Entrepreneur: International Franchise Association
The franchise is a great option for entrepreneurs with a lower tolerance for risk. Buying a franchise means the business plan, trademarks, marketing, sales, advertising, business model, and customer base is already in place and the products and/or services have been tested in the marketplace.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) exists to support the franchise community and to promote and protect the thousands of franchise businesses across the U.S.
Using the IFA website, entrepreneurs can search for franchise business opportunities, learn about franchising, and become a part of the franchising community. Members of the IFA can chair committees, learn new ideas, network with other members, and obtain help.
For entrepreneurs starting a small business, websites such as the SBA, StartupNation, the FTC, and the IFA are excellent resources that provide a wealth of business information designed to foster entrepreneurial success.