Special Sources
SBA Online Women's Business Center
http://www.onlinewbc.org
The U.S. Small Business Administration is proud to announce the opening of the Online Women’s Business Center, www.onlinewbc.org, a free, interactive Web site for beginning and established women business owners.
The North Texas Business Development Center developed this Web site with the cooperation of the SBA’s 60-plus Women’s Business Centers nationwide and with generous support from its corporate sponsors, IBM, JC Penney, NationsBank, GTE and Avon.
• Business principles and practices
• Management techniques
• Information about SBA services
• Market research
• Interactive mentoring
• Individual counseling
• Topic forums and newsgroups
• Extensive data resource guide
Organization Keeps Members Involved & Active in the Lawmaking Process
Each Tuesday morning, approximately 65,000 small business owners across the country are greeted by National Small Business United. NSBU NET, a weekly fax describing current issues, is among the many benefits members of this bipartisan advocacy group enjoy. The purpose of the bulletin is not only to educate entrepreneurs, but also to incite action in the small business community.
"We are trying to create a national network of very informed, actively engaged entrepreneurs," says Todd McCracken, president of NSBU. "We have had a consistently high response rate to member alerts." NSBU counts on that response whenever the well-being of the small business segment is at stake.
Since material for NSBU NET is written each Monday for distribution that night, it covers the most current and pressing decisions Congress is preparing to make. And, since NSBU shows members exactly how to approach their representatives in Washington, small business owners have all the tools they need to participate in the lawmaking process. The collective effort of members is what makes NSBU such a powerful organization.
Recent subjects NSBU NET has addressed include tax reform and changes in minimum wage laws. "We have also discussed the newly mandated method of electronic tax payment that concerns many small businesses," McCracken adds. By identifying problems and concerns on the minds of entrepreneurs and providing solutions, NSBU continually attracts new members.
Aside from summoning an active response from members in key congressional decisions, NSBU makes understanding politics as straightforward as possible. Each week, NSBU NET analyzes the latest legislative news to help members become conversant with proposals coming out of the White House and Congress.
NSBU NET is now available via e-mail, so the organization’s goal of truly interactive communication is becoming a reality. To find out more about the programs and benefits that come with NSBU membership, call (202) 293-8830. Or call up the NSBU home page at http://www.nsbu.org.
NSBU at a Glance
Founded: 1937
Mission: To influence federal policy on behalf of more than 22 million small businesses in the U.S.
Members: More than 65,000 small business owners from all 50 states and fields as diverse as carpentry and fashion design.
Benefits to Members:
1. Special rates on a variety of items including insurance, long-distance telephone programs, rental cars and software.
2. Knowledge of current issues in government that affect small businesses, access to members of Congress who make important decisions, tools and training for active participation in political issues.
3. Constant and reliable resources to help a business thrive.
Distinguishing Features:
"Members appreciate the fact that we are bipartisan, not an organization based on knee-jerk reactions. NSBU stays on top of important issues as they come up in Washington and helps business owners stay informed." Todd McCracken, president.
Free Counseling from Business Experts
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a nonprofit association sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration that offers aspiring and existing entrepreneurs both individual counseling (which is free and confidential) and workshops. Millions have benefited from the services provided by the 389 chapters and 12,300 volunteers during the past 30 years.
SCORE volunteers are retired business owners, executives and managers who have been trained as counselors. They possess real-world experience and offer expert advice on both general business practices and industry-specific issues. Counseling sessions and workshops provide valuable information on everything from writing an effective business plan to cash flow management and developing a small business advisory board.
In 1997 alone, SCORE assisted more than 350,000 entrepreneurs. With a focus on women in business, 49 percent of its business counseling and workshop training participants are female, and an outreach program is in place to increase the number of women joining SCORE as counselors.
SCORE also offers e-mail counseling through its award-winning Web site (http://www.score.org), which has garnered 3.2 million hits and an estimated 300,000+ individual visitors since June 1997. Features include success stories, workshop wisdom, business resources and e-mail counseling.
To find the nearest SCORE chapter:
Visit the SCORE Web site or contact the National SCORE Office, 309 Third Street SW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20024. (800) 634-0245.
International Commerce: Q&A
When thinking of international trade, do you envision large corporations making deals that involve extensive paperwork, complex financing and strict government scrutiny?
If so, it’s not surprising that you’ve thus far not attempted to tap into overseas markets for your own goods and services.
The truth is that small businesses are responsible for employing more than half the workers involved in exporting, and account for one-third of the value of exported products. And the number of small business exports is growing. The information below might help you decide if it makes sense to expand into the international market.
Q: How do I find overseas buyers for my product or service?
A: One-on-one counseling through U.S. Export Assistance Centers, which combine the services and resources of many government agencies, is a good way to get started. With the help of a USEAC, you’ll receive export finance assistance, identify a target marker and develop marketing strategies. Call (800) USA-TRADE.
Q: How can I encourage my local lender to help me obtain financing for my exporting endeavor?
A: Tell your lender about the SBA’s Export Working Capital Program (EWCP), which was designed to add to the agency’s toolbox of financial instruments for small business exporters and their lenders. The EWCP, which is delivered through USEACs nationwide, offers simplified procedures, quick turnaround, a vast lender network, flexible terms, low fees, loan packaging, small business expertise and personalized service to help both you and your lenders do more export deals.
Q: Where can I find more answers?
A: Trade Information Center (TIC). (800) USA-TRADE. This comprehensive resource provides basic export counseling and information on all government assistance programs and sources of market information. Its automatic phone-to-fax service is an excellent way to get printed answers to specific questions.
The SBA’s Office of International Trade has an Internet home page (http://www.sba.gov/oit) that provides assistance on export financing and additional international trade resources at the click of a mouse. For additional help, call the SBA Answer Desk at (800) 8-ASK-SBA.
The U.S. Export-Import Bank provides information through an Export Financing Hotline (800) 565-3946 on its various services: programs for marketing products or services overseas, seminars on exporting, working capital, long-term loans and insurance.
Bankable Deals, a companion to the SBA’s Breaking into the Trade Game, is a question-and-answer guide that provides practical advice on financing export deals and getting paid. Both publications are available free of charge from local SBA district offices nationwide.
A Basic Guide to Exporting, available from the Government Printing Office at (202) 512-1800, explains the export process and helps entrepreneurs determine whether their business could succeed in the international market.
National Export Directory, available from the Trade Information Center at (800) USA-TRADE, lists state and private organizations, trade offices and Department of Commerce district offices that offer seminars or other assistance to businesses interested in global trade.
Small Business Development Centers
The Best Place to Start
Owning a small business is daunting enough, so why burden yourself by starting from scratch? Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) — initiated by the California Trade and Commerce Agency in 1988 to facilitate growth of the state’s small businesses — have streamlined the process by putting all necessary information under one roof. Whether you are interested in soliciting government contracts, or obtaining federally certified woman-owned or minority-owned business status, SBDCs understand the process, and are there to show you the way.
According to John Bassett of the Sierra College SBDC in Auburn, California, "SBDCs are probably the only government-funded entity that Americans can come to for free-of-charge support and assistance in starting a small business."
"SBDCs are really about education," claims Woodrow McCutchen, executive director of the Association of Small Business Development Centers. Local SBDCs hold seminars on topics ranging from human resources management to environmental assessment for as little as $20. And classes are often held during evenings and weekends to accommodate the busy schedules of business owners.
"We’re very pro-active, it’s as easy as making a phone call," McCutchen emphasizes. With 970 locations throughout the U.S., SBDCs are not just a place to start — they are the place to start.
Access to Technology
BICs provide important and timely resources at no cost
Wise entrepreneurs know it is almost impossible to become a success overnight. They also recognize that it is equally difficult to run a successful business without some help along the way. To provide a wide variety of training, technology resources and counseling for entrepreneurs, the U.S. Small Business Administration has worked with a number of private sector co-sponsors to develop Business Information Centers (BICs)—also known as Business Resource Centers.
The volunteers and staff members at BICs are resourceful and knowledgeable about business start-up and growth. Joseph Copeland of Computer Systems Networks in Temple Hills, Maryland, has worked with the local BIC on everything from developing letterhead and business cards to doing research on his competitors. "I am impressed with the wealth of information available to any company, and it is all free," he emphasizes.
Another resource available at BICs is information on federal procurement. Most provide synopses of the latest government projects so local businesses owners can respond quickly and bid for new contracts. This opportunity and the availability of market research sources are crucial in making the small business owners who visit BICs more competitive.
"The important thing about Business Information Centers is that corporate co-sponsors are very involved in providing the resources," claims Monica Edwards Harrison of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Companies such as Microsoft and Apple Computer provide software and equipment to help business owners get ahead. With the latest technology and knowledgeable staff on the premises, BICs offer assistance no enterprising entrepreneur should pass up.
Bridging the Gap: Minority Assistance Programs
According to a report released by the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau, the number of businesses owned by minorities in the U.S. increased by 60 percent from 1,343,910 to 2,149,184 between 1987 and 1992. This compares to an increase of 26 percent for all U.S. firms, from 13.7 million in 1987 to 17.3 million in 1992. Receipts for these minority-owned businesses increased 128 percent during this five-year span, from $92.1 to $210 billion. In comparison, receipts for all U.S. firms grew 67 percent, from $2 to $3.3 trillion.
The SBA offers a number of programs through which women, minorities and veterans can receive special loans and other benefits to help them start and succeed in business. Certification as a Woman-Owned Business (WBE) or Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) expands these opportunities.
The regulations, guidelines and intensity of the application process in obtaining certification vary from state to state. The Internet provides numerous resources regarding these guidelines.
Just point your Web browser to: http://www.census.gov/ftp/pub/mp/www/pub/bus/ordform3.html and use the form to order (printed) Woman and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise Publications. This form can be printed and faxed to Customer Services at (301) 457-3842 or mailed to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, P.O. Box 277943, Atlanta, GA 30384-7943. For additional information, phone customer service representatives at (301) 457-4113.
Office of Small and Minority Business
California Small Business Enterprises are certified by the state Office of Small and Minority Business of the Department of General Services. Call (916) 323-5478 in Sacramento for an application or write to Department of General Services, Office of Small and Minority Business, 1531 I Street, 2nd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814-2016. On the World Wide Web: http://commerce.ca.gov.
Office of Native American Affairs, U.S. Small Business Administration
This agency works to ensure that American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians have access to business development resources, training and services in their communities. The ONAA educates Native Americans in business ownership with the help of individual and tribally owned organizations, and federal, state and local agencies. For more information, call (202) 205-7615.
Two New SBA Electronic Resources that Promote Small Business
Procurement Marketing and Access Network
PRO-Net is an Internet-based database on more than 171,000 small businesses, including disadvantaged, 8(a) and women-owned ventures. Open to all small firms seeking federal, state and private contracts, it consists of profiles of participating companies that include data on their products and services, history, references and other marketing and business information. It is free to federal and state government agencies as well as prime and other contractors seeking small business contractors, subcontractors and/or partnership opportunities.
An electronic gateway of information, PRO-Net functions both as a search engine for contracting officers and a marketing tool for small firms. Designed to be a "virtual" one-stop procurement shop, PRO-Net is also linked to key sources of information, assistance and training. It can be accessed at http://www.sba.gov.
The Angel Capital Electronic Network
ACE-Net transforms what was the informal angel investment community into a nationwide system for entrepreneurs and investors to meet. This innovative Internet-based service provides entrepreneurs looking for equity dollars with an expanded opportunity to offer securities to private investors. At the same time, ACE-Net allows potential investors to search through an electronic list of corporate offerings from small firms around the country, while maintaining full anonymity and at a cost less than that of traditional private placement offerings.
ACE-Net also provides 24-hour access to a comprehensive list of conferences, meeting and programs, as well as legislative information, rules, terms and conditions affecting the entrepreneurial investment community. It can be accessed at http://www.sba.gov/advo.
Regulatory Resources on the Web
Confused about regulatory issues that affect how you do business? These sites can point you in the right direction.
Department of Corporations http://www.corp.ca.gov
The California Department of Corporations is mandated to regulate a number of different business-related issues including health maintenance organizations (HMOs). This site includes a list of California licensed plans, an online Request for Assistance Form and Instructions, and the Department’s Annual Complaint Data Report.
The Digital Daily
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/cover.html
At least the IRS makes you smile before taking your money. This online publication is full of up-to-date tax information presented in an engaging and clever fashion.
EPA: Information for the Small Business http://www.epa.gov/epahome/smallbus.html
Current environmental regulatory information is critical for most entrepreneurs. This site hosts numerous documents on getting business assistance, compliance and pollution prevention.
Health Insurance Plan of California (HIPC) http://www.healthcareshopper.com
HPIC is a state-organized, self-supporting organization that offers one health care product available from several different companies. This site lists a variety of options for individuals and small businesses that are in the market for a health plan.
OSHA Computerized Information System http://www.osha.gov
Provides comprehensive information about occupational safety and health from regulations and programs to technical links and training courses.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) http://www.pbgc.gov/pbgchom.htp
PBGC protects the retirement incomes of more than 42 million American workers. The site describes services offered by the PBGC and includes a pension search directory.