Pennsylvania Guide for New Businesses:
click here for PDF
This page lists SalesTax information:
http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/sales___use_tax/14702
America’s Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC)
http://asbdc-us.org/ The most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States and its territories. The mission of the network is to help new entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership, and assist existing businesses to remain competitive in the complex marketplace of an ever-changing global economy.
SBDC Resource Guide: http://sbdcnet.org - Any example business plan you can think of (Marleen’s comment)
- Any business, finance, accounting, tax help, Demographics, home business inf., and more, more, more
Get free, confidential business advising from your local SBDC Business Advisor:
University of Pennsylvania, BIC
Riverside Commons Innovation Center
700 River Avenue, Suite 510
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-322-6441
Website: http://www.pasbdc.org The Small Business Development Center's (SBDC) mission is to develop and strengthen the businesses of Southwestern Pennsylvania by conveying timely knowledge and expertise through professional consulting, education and training programs. With strong market research and strategic planning, our team can help you launch your business. University of Pittsburgh SBDC
Wesley W. Posvar Hall, 1st floor
230 South Bouquet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
http://www.sbdc.pitt.edu
Acting Director - Chris Kush
Phone: (412) 648-1542
Fax: (412) 648-1636
Email: ieeinfo@katz.pitt.edu | Duquesne University SBDC
Rockwell Hall - Room 108
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburg, PA 15282
http://www.duq.edu/sbdc
Director - Mary McKinney
Phone: (412) 396-6233
Fax: 412-396-5884
Email: mckinney@duq.edu |
Small Business Administration
Pittsburgh District Office
411 Seventh Avenue
Suite 1450
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 395-6560
In addition to known one-on-one services, the SBA also offers free education through on-line courses.
STARTING A BUSINESS COURSES:
The Beginning: Developing a Successful Business Plan
How to Start a Business
Starting Your Small Business*
Business Plan Workshops
Identify Your Target Market
Hot Shot Business Simulation -for Young Entrepreneurs
BUSINESS PLANNING COURSES:
How to Write a Business Plan
Business Plan Workshops
Creating a Strategic Plan
Business Plan Templates
Strategic Planning & Execution
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COURSES:
Managing the Digital Enterprise
Analyze Profitability
Developing a Successful Business Plan
Business Plan Workshops
Growth Strategies
Valuing a Business
Maintaining an Agile Company
FINANCE & ACCOUNTING COURSES
How to Find Start-up Funding
Assessing Financial Needs
Cash Flow
Accounting 101: The Fundamentals
MARKETING & ADVERTISING COURSES
Building Your Brand Marketing for Small Business | E-Mail Marketing
Marketing 101:The Fundamentals
Conduct a Marketing Analysis
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING COURSES
Steps to Accessing Contracts & Subcontracts
Guide to Government Contracts
INSIGHT: Guide to the 8(a) Business Development Program
RISK MANAGEMENT & CYBER SECURITY
Computer Security
Ready Business
MARKETING & ADVERTISING COURSES
Building Your Brand
Marketing for Small Business
E-Mail Marketing
Marketing 101:The Fundamentals
Conduct a Marketing RE-COMMERCE COURSES
Building Your Website
Managing the Digital Enterprise
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COURSES
Breaking into the Trade Game
A Primer on Exporting
International Business Opportunities
FEDERAL TAX TRAINING COURSES
Introduction to Federal Taxes for Small Businesses
Understanding Taxes
Tax & Accounting Basics
Small Business Tax Workshop
SMALL BUSINESS RETIREMENT COURSES
Retirement Planning |
E-Magnify's Women's Business Center Program
http://www.e-magnify.com/WBC.asp Phone: 724.830.4625
In 2006 Seton Hill University's E-Magnify® women's business center announced new and expanded programming as a result of being designated as a Women's Business Center (WBC) by The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Intended for a five year project period, the center was awarded the maximum annual allowable grant for a WBC. The only WBC located in Western Pennsylvania, E-Magnify joins forces with the 99 other WBC's that exist nationwide to assist women in starting, growing and expanding their small businesses.
Drawing on E-Magnify’s experience in providing innovative programming, essential resources, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs, and fueled by the funding provided through The U.S. Small Business Administration, E-Magnify’s women’s business center programming helps E-Magnify reach a wider, more diverse population serving women located in rural and remote areas of the state; economically and socially disadvantaged populations; and veterans as well as active duty military personnel.
The center will continue its long-standing commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs who want to start, grow, or sustain their businesses through:
• Counseling and Training
• Educational Programming and Webinars
• Advocacy Efforts
• Networking Opportunities
• Mentorship Programs
• Technical Assistance
The WBC program, established by Congress in 1988, is administered by the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership and promotes the growth of women-owned businesses through business training and technical assistance, and provides access to credit and capital, federal contracts, and international trade opportunities. E-Magnify's service territory covers the 27 counties in Western Pennsylvania served by the Pittsburgh District Office: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington and Westmoreland.
SCORE
http://www.scorepittsburgh.org/ Pittsburgh 412-395-6560 ext. 130
Serving clients in the counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler and Washington. They conduct Small Business Basics Workshops monthly in downtown Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh SCORE helps over 1,000 small businesses, advising the owner as long as he or she wishes. SCORE volunteers have diverse backgrounds, from neighborhood shops to major corporate careers. Their individual work experiences encompass nearly all aspects of the business environment, including finance, marketing/sales, manufacturing management, engineering, human resources, retailing government contracting and more.
Receive Free Counseling
Confidential business counseling at no-charge from volunteer counselors. These successful executives represent years of experience in all areas of business. Counseling is available in person, via email or, as an advisory board for existing businesses.
Attend a Workshop
Low-cost workshops for both start-up and existing business entrepreneurs. Local business experts conduct training across a variety of relevant subjects including starting a business, business plans, marketing, finance, legal issues, and more!
On Saturday, May 19, 2007, from 8:00am to 12:30pm SCORE will present Small Business Basics Workshop at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. The Small Business Basics Workshop is intended to help new businesses get off to the right start by studying the legal requirements of starting a business, and covering subjects that will impact the success or failure of the business.
Find a Service Provider
The SCORE Service Directory lists companies from these and other professions that specialize in serving the small business community.
Services to Women and Minority-Owned Firms
In order to meet the unique needs of women and minority clients, SCORE has established a Women and Minority Task Force. These counselors are a diverse group of individuals prepared to assist women and minorities facing challenges of being in business.
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, Asset Development Initiative
Website: http://www.ywcapgh.org 305 Wood Street., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412.255.6749 Fax: 412.255.1271
YW Enterprising Women Program
The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh offers an evening business training program designed specifically for women with low and moderate incomes. Join our 10-week class and you will:•Learn the basics of business structures, licenses, financial statements, and marketing strategies.
•Set realistic business and personal goals.
•Develop a comprehensive written business plan.
•Gain access to small loans, marketing assistance, and networking opportunities.
•Receive on-going technical assistance as your business grows, and MORE!
Call to request an application
The Pittsburgh Entrepreneur Meetup Group
Join group by signing up at the website. Network via e-mail and at meetings.http://entrepreneur.meetup.com/58/?gj=sj17 Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Founded: Feb 27, 2003
Member Fee: none
Members: 173
Meetups: 32 so far
Next meeting: Thursday, Jun 14, 2007, 7:00 PM (usually 10-20 attend)
The Pittsburgh Work At Home Meetup Group
Join group by signing up at the website. Network via e-mail and at meetings.http://workathome.meetup.com/273/?gj=sj6 Meet other local people who work from home, own their own businesses, or work in referral-based industries. Socialize, discuss business, strategize, make new friends, and share referrals. Build your business by meeting fresh faces every month.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Founded: Jul 26, 2006
Member Fee: none
Members: 110
Meetups: 10
Next meeting: Thursday, Jun 7, 2007, 6:30 PM (usually about 10 attend)
The Abilities Fund (for individuals with disabilities)
For individuals with disabilities who want to develop business plans, The Abilities Fund is a resource for online business planning including financial literacy, business feasibility assessment, and business plan development. The online tools are in the final stages of development and will be available no later than mid summer.
Also, an online microloan program will be the first of its kind specifically for entrepreneurs with disabilities. Please keep watching our web site for the availability of these great tools - www.abilitiesfund.org
Office Depot Website
http://www.officedepot.com/renderStaticPage.do?context=/content&file=/BusinessTools/SBH/default.jsp
A large document library.
Office Live: Women's Resource Center
http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/ResourceCenter/women
Office Live: FREE WEB SITE (this site was created free)
No experience needed! Many tutorials and help menus.
http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/
NEW PA.COM
http://www.newpa.com/what-can-pa-do-for-you/pa-faqs/index.aspx
Knowledgeable PA Department of Economic staff are kept apprised of every program, operation, and function of the Department and will get you headed in the right direction. They can answer nearly all of your questions including:
Do I qualify for any of your programs?
How do I complete the Single Application for Assistance?
Who is the contact for a certain program?
Would I be a candidate for a Governor’s Action Team Project?
What are the new Stimulus programs all about?
Call us at 866-GO-NEWPA (866-466-3972)