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 Web site 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, Licensing and 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 Web site provides articles on topics related to starting a small business, finance, management, disaster recovery, training and others.

Writing a Business Plan

Web Sites

• 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 Web site.
• 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.

Print Sources

• Household Spending: Who Spends How Much on What (XHC110.C6H662003Q)

Charts show categories and breakdown of how households spend their money.

• Best Customers: Demographics of Consumer Demand (XHC79.C6B47 2005Q)

Categorizes products and their customers, illustrating how individuals spend their money.

• American Marketplace: Demographics and Spending Patterns (XHA214 .A44 2003Q)

Shows purchasing trends of the types of products people are purchasing.

• Market Share Reporter (XHF1040.8M37Q)

Provides charts that show types of products, brands and services that people purchase and use. Illustrates market presence and where a business can fit in.

• Encyclopedia of American Industries (XHC102.E53)

Individual entries describe industry, background, and organization of different businesses. The first volume covers manufacturing industries and the second volume covers non-manufacturing and service industries. Entries are also available electronically in the Business and Company Resource Center database.

• Encyclopedia of Global Industries (HD2324.E53)

Entries about industries are arranged alphabetically by major industries.