Some of the best resources for businesswomen are actually free! Yes, you heard me correctly, free! How can you resist something that will potentially improve your business success and not cost you a dime? Simply put, you can’t afford to ignore free help as a small business. We can all thank the inventors of the World Wide Web (wasn’t that Al Gore?) for giving us an endless supply of fabulous information on millions of topics.
Put away hours of frustration trying to sort through the ins and outs of business plans, incorporation options, and taxes. The following free resources will help you breathe a little easier as you start-up, build, or simply tighten the loose bolts of your business.
For each organization listed below, visit the web site and identify the resources that they offer that are potentially valuable to you and your business. Also note any links that are suggested to obtain additional information; especially of local affiliations of the national group. Connecting with national groups at the local level can link you to mentors and resources that are not widely publicized.
American Bar Association: An online service that provides free legal and tax information along with a lawyer locator form.
BPlans.com: Provides sample business plans, articles, advice, and calculators to estimate start up costs, cash flow, and your breakeven point.
Center for Women’s Business Research: The Center for Women’s Business Research contains information on the trends, characteristics, achievements, and challenges of women business owners and their enterprises.
Entrepreneur Magazine: An online publication that provides expert advice, guides, and articles for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and franchises.
Hot Mamas Project: This initiative chronicles the best practices of women who have achieved success within multiple facets of their life and career.
