U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA offers an extensive selection of information on most business management topics, from how to start a business to exporting your products.This information is listed in The Small Business Directory. For a free copy contact your nearest SBA office.SBA has offices throughout the country. Consult the U.S. Government section in your telephone directory for the office nearest you. SBA offers a number of programs and services, including training and educational programs, counseling services, financial programs and contract assistance. Ask about

 

                            SCORE, a national organization sponsored by SBA of over 13,000 volunteer business executives who provide free counseling, workshops and seminars to prospective and existing small business people.SBDCs, sponsored by the SBA in partnership with state and local governments, the educational community and the private sector. They provide assistance, counseling and training to prospective and existing business people.

 

                                SBIs, organized through SBA on more than 500 college campuses nationwide. The institutes provide counseling by students and faculty to small business clients.For more information about SBA business development programs and services call the SBA Small Business Answer Desk at 1‑800‑U‑ASK‑SBA (827‑5722).

 

Other U.S. Government Resources

 

Many publications on business management and other related topics are available from the Government Printing Office (GPO). GPO bookstores are located in 24 major cities and are listed in the Yellow Pages under the bookstore heading. You can request a Subject Bibliography by writing to Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402‑9328.

 

Many federal agencies offer publications of interest to small businesses. There is a nominal fee for some, but most are free. Below is a selected list of government agencies that provide publications and other services targeted to small businesses. To get their publications, contact the regional offices listed in the telephone directory or write to the addresses below:

 

 Magazine and newspaper articles and Books  Many guidebooks, textbooks and manuals on small business are published annually. To find the names of books not in your local library check Books In Print, a directory of books currently available from publishers.Business and professional magazines provide information that is more current than that found in books and textbooks. There are a number of indexes to help you find specific articles in periodicals.In addition to books and magazines, many libraries offer free workshops, lend skill‑building tapes and have catalogues and brochures describing continuing education opportunities.