Photo by Riccardo Annandale
Updated March 2020
“Knowing is half the battle!”
This important life lesson, (borrowed from GI Joe), totally applies to business. Knowledge is power and the more we know and can do, the higher the odds of our success. It’s the reason we pursue higher education, professional development, and continued personal learning throughout our lives.
Here is a compilation of websites and other free resources that can help tip the odds in favor of our business success.
Starting and Growing A Business
- Small Business Administration
Provides a comprehensive array of free services and information including business guides, templates, and calculators; access to loan and funding programs; educational courses; mentors and business counseling; other legal, financial, marketing and operational resources to help you take care of business the right way. - SCORE
Offers access to mentors, free webinars, business templates, e-guides, checklists, blogs, videos and other helpful resources. - Visa Smart Business Essentials
Offers an array of interactive tools, infographics, online courses, templates, videos, and other resources to launch and grow your small business. - Better Business Bureau
Provides best practices for market excellence, reports on current scams targeting businesses, a Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit, access to BBB Trust Sentiment Index℠ (TSI), podcasts and articles to promote customer loyalty and enhance your operations. - USAGov
Official US government site provides key information for starting both for-profit and non-profit enterprises, importing and exporting goods and services internationally, selling services and products to the US government, financing options, and state business resources. - Grow with Google
Gain free access to digital marketing tools and valuable resources (mobile apps, interactive lessons, website tools, etc.) to make your online presence more effective and impactful. - NAICS
Need help with market research, finding government contracts, or collecting industry data? Then you need to know your NAICS code. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying businesses to collect, analyze, and share statistical data about the U.S. economy. Also, various government agencies, trade associations, and regulatory boards use the NAICS classification system to post contract bids to any business within a given NAICS code. - Duns & Bradstreet
Similar to how your Social Security number identifies personal credit worthiness, the D‑U‑N‑S Number (Data Universal Numbering System) issued by D&B identifies your company’s unique business credit file. Government agencies may require this 9-digit numeric identifier for bids; companies across the world may perform risk assessment using DUNS to evaluate your company as a potential partner or supplier. Many financial institutions will review your company’s business credit report when considering whether to extend credit, grant a loan, and before deciding what terms and conditions to offer you. Establish your business credibility by requesting a DUNS number for your company.
Sharpen Your Personal Skills & Knowledge
- LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
Check with your local Library for free access to this resource (usually a paid subscription service). Providing over 13,000 expert-led, online courses and video tutorials in various fields and topics (including programs to build business skills and knowledge). - Kutztown University
Currently offering 44 Online Learning Programs -all free, on-demand entrepreneurial training resources. According to their website, the Online Learning resources are sourced from the SBA, IRS, Small Biz U, and custom programs from the Pennsylvania SBDC Network. - Alison
Offers free online courses designed to help you become more effective and organized so you can have a more balanced work and home life.
* DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this site is targeted to a U.S. audience. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and should not be construed as providing legal or tax advice, nor as an endorsement for any particular business, organization, or institution.
The content of this site is shared for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing any legal, or tax advice. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this site, and U Learn Enterprises Inc. disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. You should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular business, legal or tax issue or problem, including those relating to your current or potential business.
Author: Julie Ramdial, President of U Learn Enterprises, Inc.
