Websites

There are many helpful sources on the Internet. We recommend the following:

General Information and Advice

1. At least one Small Business Development Center (SBDCs) is located in each state. Most have several. It is likely there is one near you. They offer a wide variety of information and guidance to people thinking of starting their own business, as well as to small business owners. Click here to locate SBDC nearest you.
   
   
2. The SBDC also has an information clearinghouse called SBDC Net, a wealth of information and opportunities to connect. Here is a small sample of some of the topics covered:
   
   • Getting Started
   • Home Business
   • E-Commerce
   • Veterans
   
   
3. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that helps small businesses succeed. They have more than 10,000 volunteers who offer confidential business advice and training. They are working/retired business owners and executives . Their services are provided free, or at a low cost. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
   
   
4. Personal Finance. You need to ask specific questions about how self-employment impacts your personal finances in at least the areas of health insurance, buying a home, and saving for retirement. There are pros and cons that may not be immediately obvious without specifically asking for them. For example:
   
   
   • Health Insurance
     Health insurance may be more difficult to get when you are self-employed, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. You may also have a limited time to get re-insured after leaving an employer that provides it.

     Many organizations provide benefits services to the self-employed such as health, disability, dental and life insurance. For example:
     National Association of Female Executives;
     National Association of Women Business Owners; and
     National Association for the Self-Employed.
     State agencies are often helpful in this regard. For example by searching Google with "nonprofit organizations offer insurance to small business owners" this document from the State of Wisconsin, Consumer's Guide to Insurance for Small Business Owners was identified. In addition, Georgetown University regularly updates this consumer's guide to getting and keeping health insurance with state specific information.

   • Buying a Home
     If you are self-employed, you will likely have difficulty qualifying for a mortgage, particularly if you have been self-employed for less than two years. This article explains why. If you know you will be buying a home or purchasing commercial real estate, it is smart to know what income documentation hurdles you may encounter.
     
     
   • Saving for Retirement
     Self-employed people have some favorable retirement plan options that can offer significant tax savings. Personal finance websites like SmartMoney.com have articles focusing on the retirement options of the self-employed. The SBA also has a website devoted to retirement plan management.
     
     
5. Online business media websites carry news and advice for the self-employed, updated on a regular basis. Popular sources include the Wall Street Journal's Entrepreneur, Forbes.com, and Entrepreneur.com.

Women and Minority Entrepreneurs

See our separate section on resources for women.

SBDCNet recommends these websites.

SCORE provides many useful links.

Young Entrepreneurs

SCORE provides many useful links.

Veteran Entrepreneurs

SCORE provides many resource links.