Join the Club for Women Business Owners
The National Association of Women Business Owners a membership organization, connects women through local chapters, conferences and public policy meetings. On its Web site are links to groups that certify businesses, host online courses or specialize in such areas as offering stock options or becoming a government contractor. (800-556-2926),
Get Your Business Questions Answered
On the Web site of the U.S. Small Business Administration, you can find answers to such common questions as "How can I get my business certified by the SBA as woman- or minority-owned?" or "How do I get a tax identification number?" Also offered are links to experts throughout the United States — just click on the map to find someone close to you. (800-827-5722)
Learn About Financial Planning
"Where Smart Women Invest" is the slogan of the Women’s Financial Network; the Web site has tools to help you write a business plan, get funding, find investment options or assemble employee retirement plans. (877-936-4968)
Get a Loan
Count Me In gives loans of $5,000 to $15,000 to women entrepreneurs. For marketing, mentoring and technology information, go to the Web site of Make Mine a Million Dollar Business, a program ofCount Me In. (212-245-1245)
Visit Make Mine a Million Dollar Business›
Talk to Someone
At score.org, you can e-mail your business question and receive free advice from one of more than 1,400 experienced volunteer counselors nationwide. Score also offers face-to-face advice at its 389 chapter offices. (800-634-0245)
Find Top-Notch Research
The Center for Women’s Business Research provides current statistics, publications and guides. (202-638-3060)
Go International
Whether you’re starting a company in Africa, Latin America or the U.S., the SME Toolkit — a project of IFC, International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group — can help. It offers free regional software, how-to articles, self-assessment quizzes and basic information on such topics as business planning, payroll, and marketing and sales. (202-473-1400)
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