The following links are a goldmine for anyone considering starting a new business. These pages will answer some of your questions, and pose questions you didn't know to ask. We recommend that you view as many as possible to get a better understanding of the processes of business development. Visit often, and make the most of this great resource! We also have free resources, documents, and forms which are not available through our website. Please contact us at 660-886-6889 for more information and help.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the one-stop-shop for thinking through your business, answering questions, developing a business plan, and everything else you can think of. Be sure to see the Small Business Planner if you're just getting started and don't know where to begin.
Missouri Secretary of State Home Page This page is extremely helpful, and vital for making your business legal. Click on the "Businesses" tab and Search/Register Fictitious Names, find corporation forms, and file annual reports.
Small Business & Technology Development Centers (SBTDC) are almost essential in the development of small businesses, and many offices are located right here in Missouri. Be sure to see MSDC's partner, the SBTDC at Unversity of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies & Development (IESD) This is the main site for our partners at the University of Central Missouri. They provide counseling, educational seminars, patent and trademark assistance, technology development, market research, product development, and a variety of other services that will help you get your business started the way that's right for you.
Missouri SourceLink is quite possibly the most comprehensive and useful tool a small business person in Missouri could ask for, and it is hailed by the Department of Economic Development. It is a vast referral network, a great place for information and news, and even includes a funding section which clarifies how capital (money) is obtained.
PaloAlto Business Calculators EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND FREE, interactive calculators that help you figure your costs, prices, and budgeting methods. These are very important aspects of business development, and these calculators make this process easy.
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation provides extremely useful educational resources for entrepreneurs, and is the leader in entrepreneurship information. Don't just learn how entrepreneurship works; learn why.
RUPRI: The Rural Policy Research Institute is dedicated to understanding and aiding entrepreneurs all over the country. They have a wealth of information on success stories, and work to incorporate small businesses into communities.
Entrepreneur.com GOOD MARKETING ADVICE. Entrepreneur.com is a compilation of great advice, inspiring articles, and tips that will motivate and encourage you to do things carefully. Be sure to see their expansive section on marketing.
The Rise To The Top is a support network and informational resource for entrepreneurs in Missouri, headquartered in St. Louis. Go to "Entrepreneur Resources" and click on "Educational Packets" for free, innovative ideas and tips for good marketing and business management.
More Business This site is easy to navigate, and very informative. Samples of business plans are available for a wide variety of startups, which can help you kick start your business plan writing.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Very informative, and very large. For a starting point, click "Small Business" and then see the Small Business Toolkits. Well worth the visit.
SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business SCORE is a mentoring group made up of retired and successful business executives. A partner of the SBA (above), SCORE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring people starting businesses. There are SCORE offices in both Columbia and Kansas City.
Extension Youth Enterprisers from the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development contains many good resources for entrepreneurs of all ages, especially youth. They are the organization responsible for the Americorps VISTA position at MSDC, and in large part have made this website available. Thanks to Steve Henness and Antionne Jones.
Missouri Community Betterment is a massive directory of organizations, departments, services, foundations, financing resources, and alliances throughout Missouri.
These Kids Mean Busines$ is a great site for young entrepreneurs and those working with young entrepreneurs. See the curricula for good activities and clafifying your ideas. Helpful to a 23 year old (I can attest to it)!
Top 10 Social Networks for Entrepreneurs A GREAT NETWORKING RESOURCE. This list includes an assessment of the best online networking methods for entrepreneurs. They include Entrepreneur Connect, PartnerUp, StartupNation, LinkedIn, Biznik, Perfect Business, Go Big Network: Angel Investors, Cofoundr, The Funded, and Young Entrepreneur Forums. Seriously, check these out and join at least one. They will help you with networking, ideas, marketing, and everything else under the business sun.
Johnny Money is a free, online game which simulates running a business. Also see Hot Shot Business which does the same thing at a little faster pace.
Mid Net is a somewhat antiquated site that nevertheless has good basic tips and key principles for business development. WARNING: Some information may not be up to date, so double check specific facts.
W3Schools Online Web Tutorials are one of the best resources for developing your own website, and they are entirely free. Whether you are looking to build your own from scratch, or just want to know how to talk to someone who can build a site for you, this group is essential. The page you are currently visiting was developed using the tutorials at W3Schools.
Missouri Hometown Locator Miscellaneous statistics and information about communities in Missouri. This information can be beneficial when thinking through and analyzing your market.
NOTE: While the sitelist above has been compiled to assist small businesses, we make no expressed or implied warranties about the content therein. Our recommendation is that you compare and contrast these sources of information and choose what is of importance to you.