Try These Resources for More Information

• Better Business Bureau — Over 150 U.S. and Canadian bureaus link up to provide information on business alerts
• Biz Planit — Free resource on developing a business plan
• Business Resource Center — How-to articles on marketing, management and finance, sample press releases. Free access
• Consumer Information Center — Provides free and for purchase publications for small businesses and people considering starting a business. Includes such basic information as how to write a business plan and how to obtain an SBA loan
• eVenturing — Entrepreneurs will find eVenturing to be an interactive, vibrant, and vital place to make important connections, access help and advice, and find relevant, practical “just-in-time” information and tools
• Idea Cafe — A fun approach to serious business. Small business and management issues are tackled in a hip, snappy way. Free access
• Microsoft Small Business — Created specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, this site is your gateway to the resources that can help you make smart business decisions
• S.C.O.R.E — Service Corp of Retired Executives — A free list of email links to retired executives who will counsel you online
• Small Business Administration — Information ranging from assistance for starting a business to expanding one overseas
• Snohomish County Economic Development Council — Information on doing business and living in Snohomish County
• The Online Women's Business Center — This website combines the expertise of more than fifty women's business centers from across the country. Their mission is training, counseling, and mentoring America's women entrepreneurs. You'll find helpful articles and case studies on financial management, marketing, start-ups, and technology
• VISA Small Business site — A comprehensive list of resources and information
• WA Office for Minority & Women Business Entreprises — Download applications or directory of certified firms

Chambers of Commerce:

• Arlington Chamber of Commerce
• Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
• Everett Area Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce
• Redmond Chamber of Commerce
• Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce
• South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce
• Woodinville Chamber of Commerce

Human Resources:

• Employment Law Assistance (ELAWS) — Department of Labor sub-site: Employment Law Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses. Interactive system designed to help small business owners and employees understand their rights and responsibilities. System imitates interaction with a Department of Labor (DOL) employment law advisor.
• Washington Employers Information — A source for human resource management needs, with a wide range of comprehensive services.

Research:

• Greenbook (American Marketing Association) — International directory of marketing research companies and services: Site points you to poviders of market research across the country.
• Puget Sound Regional Council — PSRC provides access to data files to download, growth forecasts and growth planning. Monthly publication of Trends magazine includes summary of demographic, transportation and economic information.
• WA State Labor Management and Employment — Labor market information available at state, city and county level. Wage survey results, economic data and economic history provided. Size of firm data also presented.
• WA State Office of Financial Management — Offers population data that can be valuable for planning for growth — statistics, estimates and forecasts as well as demographic characteristics.