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Small Business Resources

Looking to start a business? Maybe you've already got one but you need some help? Check out this guide to find local, state, and federal resources to start and maintain your business.

Hamilton County Law Library Resources

Legal forms for starting & running a small business / Attorney Fred S. Steingold.
Author:  Steingold, Fred S., 1936- author.
Call Number:  KF1659.A65 S74 2018

 

The small business start-up kit / Peri H. Pakroo, J.D. ; edited by Marcia Stewart.
Author:  Pakroo, Peri, author.
Call Number:  KF1659 .P35 2014

 

LLC or Inc.? Entity selection for a small to medium sized business [in Ohio]/ prepared by Alice P. Heywood...[and others].
Call Number:  KFO207.5 .H461 2010

 

The women's small business start-up kit : a step-by-step legal guide / by Peri Pakroo.
Author:  Pakroo, Peri, author
Call Number:  KF1659 .P351 2010

 

 

Hamilton County Resources

The Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library has gathered local and nationwide resources to help you on your journey to a successful business. Check out their website here: CHPL Small Business Resource Page
 
 
Businesses (City of Cincinnati)
City of Cincinnati site that can assist all businesses with their needs, including tax credits, small business loans, licenses, building permits and market data.
 
Cincinnati Minority Business Collaborative, opens a new window
A collaborative assisting minority business enterprises obtain capital and customer readiness support.
 
Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative
The GCMI offers entrepreneurial training classes, small business financial assistance, technical assistance, and access to other business resources.
 
Minority Business Accelerator , opens a new window
A program by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber providing advisory support and coaching to accelerate the growth and development of sizable African-American and Hispanic owned businesses
 
MORTAR, opens a new window
Provides resources, networking, and courses to historically marginalized entrepreneurs looking to start and run successful businesses.
 
SCORE (Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky)
Uses volunteer business managers and executives to counsel and provide guidance for growth and success for small business in the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana areas.

Outside Resources

Nation Wide Resources from the CHPL Business Resources Page

County Business Patterns Tables
Economic profiles of counties and states for employment, payroll, and number of establishments by industry. Also includes Metro Business Patterns and Zip Code Business Patterns.
 
Export.gov
Portal to export-related assistance and market information including trade-leads, free export counseling, and more.
 
Federal Business Opportunities
One-stop site for vendors to explore information on Federal markets for business products and services.
 
NAICS - North American Industry Classification System, opens a new window
NAICS replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system in 1997. The NAICS codes can be a gateway to industry data, as well as information on business competitors.
 
Small Business Administration
Federal assistance in buying, financing, and selling small businesses plus information on government contracting and a searchable database of business cards.
 
Small Business Administration - Federal Contracting
Official gateway for small businesses selling to the U.S. Government. Includes valuable information on the bidding process.
 
Small Business Administration - Starting a Business
Are you interested in starting a small business? Check out this very thorough web page from the Small Business Administration (SBA) covering many important topics, such as how to write a business plan, how to research business statistics, and how to market your business.
 
Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center (Internal Revenue Service)
IRS portal providing comprehensive tax information and forms for small business enterprises.
 
Small Business Glossary of Terms 
Business vocabulary have you confused? Whether you're forming a limited liability company (LLC), an S-corporation, or some other type of business, knowing the jargon of the business world can help you to become a better entrepreneur. 
 
Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Programs
Links to government agencies offering seed funding to small businesses specializing in technology.
 
Small Business (USA.gov)
Comprehensive Federal Government web portal for small business owners that includes links to financial help, government contract opportunities, exporting advice, and easy to understand guides to federal regulations.
 
An Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting a Small Business
A business plan is a critical and comprehensive planning document that outlines the goals, strategies and operational aspects of a business. Here is Ooma's guide!