04/02/2004
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Starting and growing a small business can be a daunting and sometimes lonely process. We have compiled a list of 25 helpful phone numbers for agencies and services that work with small businesses. They can give you information, ideas, and resources to help you be more successful.
1) Small Business Administration
409 Third Street, SW Washington, DC 20416
(800) U-ASK-SBA
-- Created to help America's entrepreneurs form successful small enterprises, and offers financing, training and advocacy for small businesses in every state.
2) Online Woman's Business Center
-- This PDF lists contact phone numbers and resource information for Woman's Business Centers all over the US
3) Internal Revenue Service
(800) 829-1040 / Help for Small Businesses
(800) 829-1040 / Live Telephone Assistance
(800) 829-4477 / Tele-Tax recorded tax information
www.irs.gov/businesses/small
-- Produces publications that offer advice to help small businesses meet their tax obligations.
4) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(800) 669-4000
-- Oversees government regulations and policies affecting equal employment opportunities.
5) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration
200 Constitution Avenue Washington, D.C. 20210
(800) 321-OSHA (6742)
-- OSHA's goal is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America's workers by establishing and enforcing standards.
6) United States Patent and Trademark Office
(800) 786-9199
-- Assists businesses in protecting their investments, promoting goods and services and safeguarding consumers.
7) Service Corps of Retired Executives
(800) 634-0245
-- A nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.
8) Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203-1838
(703) 276-0100
Fax: (703) 525-8277
-- Nonprofit organizations designed to promote ethical business standards.
9) National Association for the Self-Employed
P.O. Box 612067 DFW Airport Dallas, TX 75261-2067
(800) 232-6273
-- Provides access to resources and specialists needed to answer questions, and offers material to help small business owners stay current with the latest news.
10) American Success Institute
(508) 651-3303
-- Nonprofit educational organization offering business and leadership programs through educational workshops and motivational videos and books to help small businesses become and stay successful.
11) Inc.com
Inc Magazine
PO Box 3136 Harlan, IA 51593-0317
(800) 234-0999
www.inc.com/guides
-- From the publishers of Inc Magazine, a wealth of useful information and how to's.
12) Quill Office Products
(800) 789-1331
-- Office products and business supplies up to 65% off with custom business services available.
13) United Parcel Service (UPS)
(800) PICK-UPS
-- Package distribution company offers a variety of pick-up and delivery services for small businesses.
14) American Marketing Association
311 South Wacker Drive Suite 5800 Chicago, IL 60606
(800) AMA-1150
Fax (312) 542-9001
-- Can answer questions and concerns about marketing new products and services or evaluate a business' current marketing strategy.
15) American Bar Association
740 15th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005-1019
(202) 662-1000
-- Can counsel small businesses regarding legal issues facing their companies or help locate a lawyer appropriate for their needs.
16) American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(888) 777-7077
-- Aides small businesses searching for help with taxes and other accounting issues, as well as provides assistance in selecting an accountant that is right for their particular business.
17) Public Relations Society of America
33 Irving Place New York, NY 10003-2376
(212) 995-2230
Fax: (212) 995-0757
-- From developing a news release to delivering a speech, PRSA can help small businesses with communications needs.
18) American Association of Advertising Agencies
(212) 682-2500
-- Can provide guidance to small businesses wanting to advertise their wares, as well as evaluate the appropriateness of using an advertising agency rather than advertising on their own.
19) Minority Business Development Agency
(888) 324-1551
-- Funds business development centers across the nation.
20) Business Network International
199 South Monte Vista Avenue, Suite 6 San Dimas, California 91773
(800) 825-8286 / Outside Southern California
(909) 305-1818 / Inside Southern California
Fax: (909) 305-1811
-- A business and professional networking organization that offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts, and most importantly,referrals.
21) The National Black Chamber of Commerce
1350 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 825 Washington, DC 20036
(202) 466-6888
Fax: (202) 466-4918
-- Advocates, promotes, educates and develops African American Chambers.
22) U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2175 K Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 842-1212
Fax: (202) 842-3221
-- Promotes the expansion of Hispanic business opportunities.
23) Center for Women's Business Research
1411 K Street, NW, Suite 1350 Washington, DC 20005-3407
(202) 638-3060
Fax: (202) 638-3064
-- The premier source of knowledge about women business owners and their enterprises worldwide. The Center's mission is to unleash the economic potential of women entrepreneurs by conducting research, sharing information, and increasing knowledge about this fast-growing sector of the economy.
24) Small Business Advancement National Center
Box 5018 201 Donaghey Avenue Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-5300
Fax: (501) 450-5360
www.sbaer.uca.edu
-- Your Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business.
25) The National Business Incubation Association
20 E. Circle Drive, 37198, Athens, OH 45701-3571
(740) 593 4331
Fax: (740) 593-1996
-- The world's leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship.
Bonus Web site:
26) Start up Journal
-- The Wall Street Journal center for entrepreneurs.
For valuable free articles, assessments, and practical success tools, email BZ or visit her site at: www.in-spiros.com. Certified as a Success Coach, "Four Agreements" facilitator, and tele-course leader, she can help you communicate powerfully, reduce stress, strategically attract success, and increase your financial well-being.
© 2004 BZ Riger-HullThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.