In this week’s Tip, we continue our look at resources to help folks who are considering making a career switch and interested in starting their own business.
There are many internet resources with information and advice for individuals who are interested in starting their own business. Here are a few national and state resources:
- http://www.sba.gov provides a wealth of information under “Small Business Planner.”
- http://www.score.org and local Small Business Development Centers usually located at state universities (such as http://www.wisconsinsbdc.org) provide free one-on-one counseling to those interested in starting and expanding a business. In addition, the Small Business Administration offers free online classes for:
- small business,
- federal post-disaster contracting opportunities, and
- the SBA 2009 Resource Guide online.
- http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98810,00.html provides a checklist for starting a business.
- http://www.okcommerce.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2537&Itemid=769 is offered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. However, it also provides useful suggestions that can help you find comparable resources in your own state- as well as necessary federal information.
When I was interested in starting my own business, I went to the Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I met with the Director, who eased my concerns about becoming a training consultant. I knew I had many competitors. However, he said that it didn’t matter how many consultants there were, as long as they were good. Clients would hire me for my unique skills. The only worry was when there were bad consultants who gave the field a bad name.
This concludes our look at resources to help folks who are considering making a career switch. Next week, we will begin a discussion of lifelong learning.
May your learning be sweet.
