Government Agencies
Colleges, universities, and technical schools
These educational institutions offer educational training and research support.
Licensing and Permit Offices
These offices offer assistance and support when obtaining business licenses.
Accountants
These professionals assist business owners in designing and maintaining bookkeeping systems. They also provide planning and management advice and make recommendations on how to minimize tax liability.
Insurance agents
These professionals inform business owners of insurance requirements and regulations. They help business owners determine how to obtain adequate insurance coverage at the lowest cost.
Attorneys
These professionals make sure that business owners follow the proper procedures in all legal aspects of the business operation. They provide important information about business owners' rights, the best legal structure for a business, protecting assets, preventing legal action, obtaining patents and trademarks, and tax and business legislation.
Department of Development (DOD)
This agency administers federal community development programs. They provide assistance to small and developing businesses through a Small Business Division and Minority Business Development Division.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
This agency ensures that business practices in the United States are fair. It constantly monitors all aspects of business including pricing, competition, credit, and export trade. It makes and enforces rules that regulate trade and protect consumers.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
This agency is funded by the federal government and state governments. Usually located in colleges and universities, these centers provide counseling and management assistance to small businesses.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
This agency issues federal taxpayer identification numbers to businesses, distributes publications that explain tax laws, and assists with tax-related questions.
The State Sales and Use Tax Division
This agency issues identification numbers to retail businesses that collect and remit sales taxes. It also provides instructions for collecting, reporting, and remitting sales taxes to the state.
The State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection Division
This agency issues permits for businesses involved in the processing, handling, storage, or distribution of food products. It also issues permits for public-interest businesses such as day care centers, schools, financial institutions, and employment agencies.
Small Business Institute (SBI)
This agency offers free counseling services provided by student teams at many colleges.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
This agency promotes small business development, helps businesses secure government contracts, and provides assistance and advice on how small businesses can increase revenues and profits.
The State Department of Labor
This agency provides businesses with information regarding employer responsibilities in relation to unemployment insurance.
United States Department of Commerce
This agency provides social and economic statistics for businesses as well as research and support for scientific, engineering, and technological development. It also issues patents and trademarks, provides assistance to promote economic development, and encourages minority-run businesses.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
This is a volunteer organization in which retired business executives share their business experience with small business owners.
The Office of the Secretary of State
This office provides general business information in addition to information and forms used for incorporation. It also provides forms used to register state trademarks and business names.
County Extension Services
These agencies are good resources for agricultural businesses.
County Health Departments
These departments will provide information on local health and safety regulations.
Workers' Compensation Board
All business owners who employ workers are required to provide insurance that gives employees or their survivors benefits in the event of work-related injuries or deaths. This board works with employers to provide this insurance at reasonable costs.
Chambers of Commerce
The purpose of these organizations is to stimulate local economic growth. They provide information about the local economy, business trends, and business needs of the community.
