Business

In order to start, grow, or maintain a small business, these are some resources that might help make life easier (and rosier) for you!

STARTING AND MANAGING

• The US Small Business Administration: a great resource for every business, no matter what stage it is in.
• The SBA has created the Size Up Tool to help you crunch numbers and provide benchmarks for your business.
• Women’s Business Centers Directory: A great resource, especially for women just starting their business.
• SCORE: A great resource for small business providing mentors, tools, counseling, and workshops. SCORE pairs real life experience with small business development.
• US Patent and Trademark Office: A great resource for branding initiatives, as well as any intellectual property needs.
• Is your domain name still available? Check one of these websites to see: Dreamhost or GoDaddy.
• IRS for business taxes: Handling taxes and accounting is essential to all small businesses. Go right to the source for important information.
• We liked this guide from the SBA for Young Entrepreneurs!
• We liked this feature from the Frugal Entrepreneur about micro loans.
• Our favorite Micro Loan organization is Kiva, based on use and many reviews we’ve read on micro lending!

MARKETING

• Need help making picture quotes and inforgraphics for Social Media? We found this blog post helpful.
• iContact: an Email and Social Marketing Company that may simplify your marketing messages.
• Another resource for managing your social media:  HootSuite.
• The National Association of Women Business Owners has chapters throughout the country. We like this organization as a way to network and find other women businesses.
• For social media and blog tips, check out Women Get Social with the SITS Girls.

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GENERAL

• Do women have an advantage in entrepreneurship? According to this feature by YFS they do!
• Do you live in one of  the 15 Best Cities for Female Entrepreneurs? Read this Forbes article to see.
• The National Women’s Business Council published their 2012 annual report on women in business, which provides great insight into small business!
• Are You a Woman Launching a Business or Book? This article might put things into perspective!
• The American Express Open Forum provides extensive resources for all types of business subjects.
• We like allbusiness.com that provides practical advice. For business startups, check out their “getting started bootcamp“.
• For helpful business tips and free templates, check out toolkit.com.
• Do you need to raise funds? Have you considered a kickstarter campaign?
• Do you need feedback? Check out Survey Monkey for free or low fee service options!
• Need a newsletter? We like Mailchimp, which offers free options!