References for New Business Start-Ups
Steps to Starting a Business in Memphis & Shelby Co.
State of Tennessee: Click on “Business” tab
SCORE National Learn Online
References for People Already in Business
SCORE National Learn Online
State of Tennessee: Click on “Business” tab
Small Business Administration Programs and Services
Video Links
View this Youtube video on a recent Government Procurement Fair held in Memphis by Representative Steve Cohen which provides much valuable information about doing business with the federal government.
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Other Small Business Links
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Inspiring creativity in the American economy by developing and supporting entrepreneurs through a vast network of resource partners.
SBA Online Women’s Business Center
promotes the growth of women-owned businesses through programs that address business training and technical assistance, and provide access to credit and capital, federal contracts, and international trade opportunities
FirstGov.gov
Powerful search engine and ever-growing collection of topical and customer-focused links connects you to millions of web pages – from the federal government, local and tribal governments and to foreign nations around the world.
SBA Training including Business Plan Preparation
The Small Business Training Network is a virtual campus housing free training courses, workshops and knowledge resources designed to assist entrepreneurs and other students of enterprise.
Business Plan and Financials Template Gallery
Excellent free templates for use with Microsoft Word for preparation of a business plan. Also lists other templates of interest. These are much less confusing than using business plan software.
BPlans.com – Business Planning Made Simple
Sample business plans, software. However, using above Word template works very well and may be simpler.
SCORE
SCORE national web site. Offers national email counseling with many experts in many fields. Includes many links of interest.
AARP Small Business Site
Good reference information. Can also sign up for their monthly Small Business email newsletter.
FindLaw – West Legal Directory
Find a lawyer
NOLO – Law for All
“ Do it Yourself” legal information
Business Filings Incorporated
Online filing for incorporation. Keep in mind that in Tennessee S-Corps are currently more frequent than LLC’s. You need a good business attorney who balances tax and liability issues in deciding form of ownership.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
U.S. Census Bureau
Demographic data helpful in writing a business plan
Export.gov – U.S. Goverment Export Portal
One stop shop for exporting
Tennessee Department of Revenue
Tennessee Dept. of Economic and Community Development
Information on business taxes, etc.
State of Tennessee
Click on “Business” tab. State of Tennessee Business Name, Business Charter, State Tax ID Number, and Unemployment Insurance Number……for new businesses. Remember you may still need a Shelby County Business License and Federal Tax ID. There is a very good Tennessee Smart Startup Guide. pdf you can download.
Governement Contracting
Basics for United States Government contracting.
Memphis/Shelby County Public Library
http://Small Business Owner's Toolkit - Resources, Advice & Tools | BizFilings
Small business toolkit – starting, planning, financing, marketing
Business.com
Business links directory by many topics
BizStats.com
Financial statistics and ratios for many types of businesses.
My Own Business
A free Internet training course on how to start a business, how to write a business plan, etc.
Quicken Small Business Center
Forms of ownership, etc.
Dictionary of Small Business
Dictionary of small business terms
Grafix Unlimited
Graphic design firm who assisted us with the design of this web site.
Register your web site domain name. Host your web site.
Network Solutions
Web site domain name registration. Search first to see if anyone else is already using it.
GetHits.com
Get your web site listed on search engines.
Microsoft Small Business Center – Marketing
Marketing basics
The Foundation Center
Helping grant seekers for philanthropic organizations succeed
Google
Excellent search engine to find information on any topic
Memphis Commercial Appeal
See Business Section.
Memphis Business Journal
See Sales and Marketing lists, etc. (for a fee).Other Small Business Links
Memphis Area (Mid-South) Chambers of Commerce
Southaven, MS Chamber of Commerce
Olive Branch, MS Chamber of Commerce
Bartlett, TN Chamber of Commerce
Germantown, TN Chamber of Commerce
Collierville, TN Chamber of Commerce
Greater Memphis, TN Chamber of Commerce