Start a Business

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• Business planning
• New business enterprises – planning
• New business enterprises – finance
• Small business – planning
• Small business – finance

Online resources

You found your way to this web page so you're thinking of starting your own business!  You're in the right spot. You now have online access to over 328 actual working business plans. These in-depth busisness plans can be printed or downloaded for your personal use. These can be invaluable tools to help you plan, spark new ideas for the future and get your business on its way - today. Remember -your public library can help your small business.

ReferenceUSA is the No. 1 source of information on businesses and people for researchers, students, job seekers and government agencies.. Search records by name, location, size or yellow page heading. All information is updated several times a year, not just once a year like the phone book or other printed directories.

Websites

NewPA provides easy-to-access online programs, initiatives, and assistance for businesses, communities and individuals.

IRS Small Business Start-up

This page provides links to basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business. It also provides information to assist in making basic business decisions.

The DCED is a state agency designed to foster opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses and communities to succeed in our global economy. The DCED can provide small business owners with information on starting a business, applying for funding, taxes, technology investment, and expanding into international markets. You can contact their main office in Harrisburg at (866) 466-3972.

(SBDC): SBDCs provide no-cost consulting services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their services cover a range of topics including accounting, marketing and advertising, regulatory assistance, legal issues, financing, and strategic planning. Local SBDC offices are located in:

• The University of Scranton, 411-413 Quincy Avenue, Scranton, PA. (800) 829-7232
• Wilkes University, Innovation Center, suit 200, 7 South Main St, Wilkes-Barre, (570) 408-4340,
• Lock Haven University, 301 West Church St, Lock Haven, (570) 484-2589,
• Bucknell University, 112 Dana Engineering Building, Lewisburg,

Guide to NAICS, the replacement of the U.S Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.

NOLO Law Center – Business Structure

PA Open for Business

This website gives entrepreneurs “one door” access to business information. Entrepreneurs can explore financial options, download forms, and electronically register a business with the Departments of Labor and Industry, Revenue and State.

SCORE: Counselors to America's small business

A nationwide nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of small business. It is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Previous industry classification codes.

USA.gov is the US government's official web portal. The site is designed to be a "one-stop-shop" for links and information to the federal government's vast network of agencies and programs. Their "Businesses and Nonprofits" page contains links to help you find tools to run your business, such as financial assistance, laws and regulations, tax guides, and business planning.

The SBA is a federal agency, designed to provide Americans with information on how to start, grow, and maintain their small business. The SBA sponsors numerous loan and grant programs, training initiatives, investment opportunities, assistance programs, technology programs, and advocacy services. You can contact the Pennsylvania regional office in Philadelphia at (610) 382-3062.