Small Business Guide

Whether you are starting a business or have been in business for years, the following resources can help you find trusted information. In addition to the sites below, a Pratt Library card gives you access to databases with information on industry trends, analytic tools, and more.

Starting a Small Business

Maryland Resources

• Maryland’s Attorney General: Business and consumer information and assistance. Topics of interest include securities offering information, choosing a franchise, the legal aspects of doing business in Maryland, and homebuilder registration forms.
• Gaebler Ventures: A list of statewide incubators and an online list of resources for entrepreneurs. This website is maintained by a Chicago, IL based business incubator.
• TEDCO (Technology Development Organization): A statewide organization whose purpose is to assist business creation and foster growth. Their purpose includes being a primary lender for technology transfer and entrepreneurial activity.

Licensing/Taxes/Law

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Locate IRS business tax information, listings for Employer ID numbers, and operating a business. Additional information covers international businesses and partnerships.
• IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center: SB/SE serves taxpayers who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.
• Maryland Department of Labor: Links to occupational professional licensing information, purchasing health insurance for small business owners, and other information.

Other Resources

• Better Business Bureau: Small business owners can use this site to gather information and for dispute resolution assistance. Customers can find information to help solve problems with companies.
• Small Business Administration (SBA): An advocate for small business people, their website provides articles on topics related to starting a small business, finance, management, disaster recovery, training and others.

Writing a Business Plan

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Provides industry statistics including productivity, employment, and other aspects of the workforce.
• Infobel: Infobel provides telephone information for the U.S. and worldwide. If you are interested in the international market, import-export or finding a company abroad, this site will help you locate contact information.
• ThomasNet: This directory provides contact information for businesses providing technical products and services. Each of the over 15 categories contains smaller sections. Companies are listed by state. Company information includes contact information and website.
• Tsnn.com: Find a trade show to attend and other information such as suppliers and exhibitors. You can also search by industry and location.
• U.S. Census Bureau: Provides demographic statistics for the United States. Two areas of interest for those starting, and already in business, are the Economic Census and Quickfacts.
• Free Resources to Help You Write Business Plan: From the Small Business Administration, this page offers resources such as sample plans, how-to webinars, and links to other organizations with helpful information.