Non-Governmental Sites:
www.nolo.com
Law center encyclopedia with legal topics and strategies on how to handle legal issues in small business.
www.shrm.com
Society for human resource management includes all topics necessary to ensure a first class human resource program in business.
www.entreworld.org
Entrepreneurs search engine for getting organized and how to use resources wisely for entrepreneurial ventures.
www.lowe.org
“Champions the entrepreneurial spirit” by providing information, research, and articles on all topics of business.
www.stthomas.edu/business/centers/morrison
Morrison Center for Entrepreneurism discussing the entire world of entrepreneurism.
www.franchise1.com
The franchise directory and articles concerning how to run a franchise as well as the respective associations and business opportunities.
www.greatermankato.com
The Mankato/North Mankato Chamber of Commerce site to inform citizens and business about events, services, and organizations.
http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
www.inventorfraud.com
Learn about scams, felonious ventures, fraud promoters across America.
www.thomasregister.com
For manufacturers and OEM’s across the United States and Canada. What they manufacture and how they distribute.
http://www.uschamber.com/chambers/directory
Listing of all chambers of commerce by city.
www.entrepreneurmag.com
The Entrepreneur Magazine site for small business resources, articles, and advice for entrepreneurs.
www.inc.com
INC magazine for small business issues and articles of advice.
www.smartbiz.com
Industry and business issues and information searchable in depth to help with existing businesses and start up operations.
www.nbia.org
National Business Incubation Association.
http://www.pwcmoneytree.com
For quarterly study of equity investments by venture capital companies.
http://www.vfinance.com
Website on venture capital resources and related services but membership is required.
http://www.businessinsurance.org/
A wonderful resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Some of the information topics include Managing People, Marketing Resources, Finding Grants, Economic Resources, and much more.
http://www.insurancequotes.org/business-insurance/ Great resource explaining all forms of business insurance.
Government Sites:
http://business.usa.gov/ New government website coordinating resources from several government agencies.
www.co.blue-earth.mn.us
Learn all about Blue Earth County government administration, programs, services, and department news that serves the citizens of Blue Earth County.
www.business.gov
The U.S. Business Advisor giving official positions on government issues with information affecting business.
www.commerce.state.mn.us
Dept. of Commerce (MN) for licenses, regulatory requirements, services of Dept. of Commerce, and weights and measures info.
www.sos.state.mn.us
The Secretary of State (MN) for tax info, services to help start up a business, forms and procedures for starting a business.
www.dted.state.mn.us
Dept. of Trade and Economic Development (MN) on business assistance and financial assistance programs in the State.
www.taxes.state.mn.us
Find out what taxes are required to operate your business and how to satisfy the State of Minnesota requirements.
http://www.epa.gov/smallbusiness
When a small business needs to get the regulations and information about environmental protection concerns and how to satisfy the EPA.
www.sbaonline.sba.gov
For existing businesses or start-ups and the location of respective SBDC’s across the U.S., plus links to the SCORE program.
www.SCORE.org
The Senior Corps of Retired Executives site to help anyone with their issues on small business operations and establish a mentorship with experts
on any issue in business.
www.uspto.gov
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with procedures on how to obtain proprietary protection for products, search
for patents, and apply for patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
www.loc.gov/copyright
To search copyrights, and receive forms and information on how to apply for copyrights.
www.onlinewbc.org
The Women In Business Center with affliation to the SBA to help woman entrepreneurs with issues, funding, and advice.
www.census.gov
The U.S. Bureau of Census on secondary market information useful to existing businesses for market plans and for start
ups to help mitigate risks in the market place.
Professional Research Assistance:
The James J. Hill Reference Library has resources for you to write a successful business plan. They provide a guide with samples and you can get their catalog at www.jjhill.org (click on ‘Business Collection’ and then click on ‘Search our Library Catalog’ or call reference line at 651-265-5500 and talk with a Business information Specialist.