Resources
Resources & Research Tools
Running a small business is no easy task, fortunately there are myriad sources of information to help you along the way. The following links should provide you with a better sense of resources available to help you.
When you’re ready to discuss your options in-person, contact your local SBDC to schedule a one-on-one consulting session with an SBDC consultant.
- SBA has a wealth of information for start-up and growing small businesses.
- Minority Business Development Agency has the self-registering Phoenix database of minority entrepreneurs.
- Knowthis.com is a meta-site with links to marketing-related topics.
- StartupJournal.com has start-up information and databases of businesses for sale and venture capital.
- Small Business Knowledge Base has guides and worksheets on starting and managing a small business.
- Inc.com is the Web site of Inc. Magazine.
- Entrepreneur.com has start-up ideas, resources and articles.
- FindLaw has legal information, guides, sample forms and other legal resources.
- IRS’s Digital Daily has resources for employers and tax and wage information for new and existing businesses.
- Bplans.com has sample plans and writing tips.
Business Research Tools
Industry Resources Reports
Links to useful industry information from a variety of sources
BizMiner
Generates reports on industry, market, and financial trends by size of business
County Business Patterns
Lists establishments, payroll, and employee size for all U.S. counties by SIC
PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development
Includes links to other entrepreneurial assistance programs
Innovation Partnership
Provides guidance for PA SBIR proposal preparation and assistance
FranchiseOpportunities.com
Franchise directory and information on opportunities
U.S. Data and Statistics
Searchable directory of statistics from over 100 Federal agencies
SBA Small Business Profiles
Brief overview of the number and type of small businesses and their growth in PA
Census Bureau Economic Pages
Links to the most current available reports on number of businesses, non-employer statistics, the economic census, minority and women-owned businesses, manufacturers, and building permits in PA
County Business Patterns
Detailed statistics on business activity on the county and zip code level
PA Dept. of Labor & Industry
Has a number of publications with workforce statistics including long-term industry employment projections, civilian labor force data, unemployment rates by county, employment by industry and monthly publications
Industry Resources
- The US Travel Association – reports facts on domestic and international facts
- Travel and Tourism Research Association – provides various research studies
- What is the Travel Industry – An outline of the travel industry
- Accommodation and Food Services Industry Information – industry employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Eco Tourism– a checklist for starting a nature tourism business from TX Parks and Wildlife
Business Associations
Business Plans
The PDF outline is for a basic business plan, not a comprehensive plan, and is designed to help you get started on your plan. If you are interested in writing a more in-depth plan that focuses on the strategic planning and marketing of your business, please discuss it with your consultant.