Business Tools
Learn the steps to start a small business, get financing help from the government, and more.

Post

USA.gov Tools

Start a Business
A list of resources and information to help you succeed in starting your own small business.

Access Financing
Identify federal, state and local government financing resources that are available to help you start or expand your business.

How to Begin Importing or Exporting
Learn the basics of import or export operations, to help your business grow.  There are many rules and regulations, licensing and permitting. Learn about it here.

Help with Hiring and Managing Employees
Learn how to start a basic payroll structure to hire employees. Then, manage employees properly with a general understanding of state and federal labor laws.

Introduction to Federal Government Contracting
Grow your business by having the federal government of the United States as your customer. Learn about common federal contracting terms, how to become a federal contractor, and support to help you search for and bid on contract opportunities.

Resources for Veterans
The SBA offers support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership. Funding programs, training and contracting opportunities are found here.

Starting a Nonprofit Organization
Starting a nonprofit is an exciting and rewarding opportunity, but it can also be challenging. Find important information and services to help guide you through the process.

Small Business Tax Information
Learn about business taxes and incentives.

U.S. Small Business Administration Tools

Create a Business Plan
A business plan can serve as a road map for future success and is essential to obtaining financing. This step-by-step tool will guide you through the process of creating a basic, downloadable business plan at your own pace.

Get Online Training
Find self-paced online training courses, quick videos, web chats and more to help you learn about the many aspects of business ownership. You can also sort your selections by content type and topic.

Get Local Assistance
Find free, in-person professional business counseling, mentoring and training from an SBA Direct Office, SCORE chapter, Small Business Development Center or other SBA resource partner near you.

Find Events
SBA and resource partners host hundreds of training seminars and workshops throughout the country to help you start, manage and grow your business. Find training events near you with the Events Calendar.

Qualify for Government Contracts
Find out if your business is considered “small” by government, which may allow you to take advantage of valuable contracting opportunities reserved for small businesses.

Small Business Administration Tools
Other tools you might find useful from the Small Business Administration.

Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship

The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship is available online here:
https://www.iece.csusb.edu/content/iece