Resources for Starting
 a Small Business

Business Start-Up Checklist covers what you need to do BEFORE you open the doors of your Inland Northwest business.

SBA's 31 Most-Asked Business Questions

BIC Resources for Starting a Business

Business Plans - The Best Way To Start Your Business

Business Incubators & Kitchen Centers

Demographic Resources, Information & Statistics
Links to background information to help you plan your business

Employers.gov  has a wealth of information on Starting a Business, Hiring Employees, state requirements and all the IRS forms and publications you will need to get going. There is even a section for kids who want to start their own business!

Classes 

• Three hour Starting a Business SCORE Workshop

• SCORE Planning and Management Series Workshops

• SBDC Classes available in Washington State, in Spokane

• SBDC NxLevel - In-depth Business Planning for those planning to go into business

• Small Business Tax Seminars - find out what taxes you are responsible for as a small business person in Washington State, what taxes you must pay as an employer, and how to report Washington Excise Taxes.

top of page

Franchises

• SBA's Is Franchising for Me? On-Line Workbook
  Describes franchising and has activities to help you decide if it is for you.

• The International Franchise Association
  Here you will find information on acquiring a franchise, franchising your own business, the Franchise Opportunity Guide® On-Line, franchise resources, publications, trade associations, and reviews.

• Learn more about Franchising from SBA's On-Line Franchise Workshop

• SBA's Marketing Your Franchise for Success Workbook

• The USA Franchise Directory includes information on a number of franchises in various categories. It includes information about the franchisors, including investment required, and franchise free. Note: Do not rely solely on the information provided therein, as listings are advertisements by the franchisor.

FREE SCORE Counseling to help answer questions

• On-Line SCORE Counseling

• Inland NW SCORE Counseling Locations

The Idea Cafe's Exclusive Instant All-in-One First Year Budget Worksheet. Check out your personal and business resources and expenses, and find out how much money you need for working capital in your new business.

Small Business Resource Guide -

The Small Business Resource Guide published by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Spokane District Office provides information for both starting and existing businesses in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.  It includes information on legal forms of structure, patents and trademarks, SBA loans, and business planning.  It also includes information on classes and free counseling available throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

• You can pick up this booklet FREE at the Spokane Area Business Information Center or at the Southeastern WA Business Information Center.  We can mail you the booklet, but there is a $2 charge to cover shipping and handling.  This can be paid upon receipt. ORDER the Small Business Resource Guide. 
  

• You can also access the individual sections of the Small Business Resource Guide from the online "Table of Contents."

top of page

SBA Online: Starting Your Business

Starting and Licensing Your Business in Washington State. Learn how to at the Washington State Department of Licensing Web Site.

SBA's Online Women's Business Center offers information about business principles and practices, management techniques, networking, industry news, market research and technology training, as well as information about the many SBA services and resources available. Although targeted for women, it is applicable for all, and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Icelandic.

top of page