Helpful Resources for Small Business Owners
I’ve written a lot about starting a new business and the legal challenges that any new entrepreneur must consider when turning an initial idea into a buildable business concept, trends I see taking off in 2013, how to give your new business a legal kick start, tools to operate an efficient business in the beginning stages and numerous tax issues that quickly become very real to a new business owner. And that just barely scratches the surface on the vast challenges and sudden responsibilities that any entrepreneur must consider.
Starting a business can quickly become extremely overwhelming for someone going it alone. But, be not afraid! In the internet age there are numerous places to turn in order to explore ideas, gather information and read about success stories of those that have previously flourished. You just need to know where to look. With that in mind, I’ve created this list of publications, associations, and general information sources that I hope will provide you with some useful tools to help turn any new idea into a full-fledged small business.
Publications
YFS Magazine . This is a digital magazine with advice, tips and tricks for the startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as news and success stories of entrepreneurs that have taken an initial idea and turned it into a thriving business.
Entrepreneur. Another digital publication that explores successful entrepreneurs and small businesses. It provides inspiration for new ideas, and tips on marketing, technology and growth as well as interviews with successful companies from various forward-looking industries.
CNNMoney . Specifically the small business section of this online publication. Here you can learn about what makes small businesses successful and read about success stories from various industries. My favorite is a story about an 89-year-old grandmother who used Kickstarter to launch Happy Canes, which sells bright and floral decorated canes to the elderly.
Forbes for Entrepreneurs . Like Entrepreneur and CNNMoney, Forbes publishes articles specifically geared towards the entrepreneur community. Many of the articles are in numbered format (i.e. 9 Advantages of Investment Crowdfunding, which are always particularly enticing to me for some reason.
Inc. . More of the same, but this publication also includes links to finance topics, leadership, sales & marketing and technology.
General Resources
SBA.gov . The official website of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This one is loaded! Here, you can find information on a vast array of topics from starting & managing a business to how to obtain a small business loan or how to write a business plan. Keep in mind that the information is geared towards a national audience so it’s important to dig deeper at the state level as well.
IRS.gov . Taxes. As a small business owner you’ll probably visit this site more than you would like, but it’s a great resource. Find official IRS publications, filing information and forms that will be necessary to keep you from getting into hot water with Uncle Sam.
U.S. Department of Labor. A great resource to learn anything from how to get your final paycheck when leaving your job to important information regarding workplace postings that may be necessary in your new business such as job safety and health protection or equal employment opportunity notice and compliance.
State-specific Resources
Illinois, Minnesota or Wisconsin businesses. Laws Regulations and Requirements for starting and carrying on a business vary by state, so it’s important to explore those requirements in more depth. As an attorney admitted to practice in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, I obviously focus my attention of those states. So, if you have a business in one of those states or are thinking about starting one, you may find some of these links valuable.
Michael F. Brennan is an attorney at the Virtual Attorney ™ a virtual law office helping entrepreneurs in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota turn their ideas into businesses. Have a question or comment or want to discuss how he can help your small business? He can be reached at michael.brennan@mfblegal.com with questions or comments, or check out his website at www.thevirtualattorney.com.
The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship. For specific legal advice regarding a specific legal issue please contact a licensed attorney for assistance.
