Significance

• According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses accounted for 9.3 million of the net 15 million jobs created from 1993 to 2009. With 2010 unemployment numbers holding steady at 9.6 percent, successful small businesses are essential for job creation. In 2007, 59.9 million people were employed by small firms, and half of those were with firms of 10 to 99 employees. Their survival is imperative for the U.S. economy, and proper training could help increase the survival rate.
  
  

Federal Government

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a wealth of information and training for small business owners. It offers free video classes online that cover starting a business, managing a business, business planning, finance and accounting, marketing and advertising, tips for a slow economy, and government contracting. Each course takes approximately 30 minutes. The SBA also offers publications, and a library covering laws and regulations. There is also a section with links to local resources for business mentoring, loans and special programs.
  
  

SCORE

• SCORE is a nonprofit organization staffed with volunteers who are retired businessmen or executives and corporate leaders and who share their knowledge with budding entrepreneurs. Their services are free and they have 350 offices nationwide. SCORE offers online workshops and webinars, mentoring by phone or in person, and each year helps almost 20,000 businesses start. Their website also has forms, publications and printable guidelines for tasks such as creating a business plan.
  
  

State Resources

• States typically have a business portal that explains requirements for doing business in the state and incentives for businesses to start up or move there. Illinois, for example, has a business portal hosted by the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. It has step-by-step instructions for doing business in Illinois, including information on types of business ownerships, tax and liability issues, licensing, permits and funding. It explains how to be declared a minority business, and the benefits available if you try to win state contracts.
  
  

Local Governments

• Cities, counties and towns can be good resources if you want to start a business. Chicago, for example, holds free business workshops that cover topics such as starting a business, marketing and advertising, and financing and operating your business. The workshops also touch on legal requirements and contact information for helpful resources.