If you are going to sell products online it is important to buy low and sell high.  The following websites are good places to find wholesale goods at rock bottom prices.  In many cases it is required to buy items in bulk; either by the pallet or even truck load!  Thats ok, in the world of online merchandising it is essencial to go big or go home.  Just make sure you go in with a game plan.

Find Wholesale Goods

http://www.liquidation.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 http://www.dollardays.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               http://www.gowholesale.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               http://www.wholesalehub.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         http://www.overstock.com/                                                                                                                        

Drop Shipping

http://www.doba.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    http://www.worldwidebrands.com/  http://www.dropshipdesign.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     http://www.simplx.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       http://www.shopster.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              http://www.ingrambook.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        http://www.techdata.com/

Importers   

http://www.americanimporters.org/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                http://www.importers.ca/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    http://www.exportimportcompanies.com/             

Factory Direct     

http://www.alibaba.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           http://www.asianproducts.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             http://www.globalsources.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 http://www.indiamart.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             http://www.thomasnet.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              http://www.webstersonline.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 http://www.housewares.org/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 http://www.nationalhardwareshow.com/

Manufacturer’s Agents

http://www.manaonline.org/

Vitamins and other Consumables

http://www.expoeast.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 http://www.expowest.com/

Mind mapping software allows entrepreneurs to visually organize their thoughts and relate them to one another. Mind mapping software is commonly used while brainstorming, designing business models, and solving problems. If you are like me you write your ideas on paper; but if you use mind mapping software the content may easily be updated as you go.

Mind Mapping Software

https://www.mindjet.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                             http://www.avizsoft.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          http://www.neuralmatters.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                http://www.conceptdraw.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      http://www.dropmind.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          http://www.eminec.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             http://www.loanedgenius.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     http://www.thinkbuzan.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         http://www.inspiration.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              http://www.mindapp.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             http://www.mindpad.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           http://www.mindgenius.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           http://www.mindmapper.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          http://www.novamind.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            http://www.matchware.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               http://www.thebrain.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               http://www.thinkgraph.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  http://www.visualmind.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     http://www.xmind.net/       

Web Based Mind Mapping Tools          

http://www.bubbl.us/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        http://www.comapping.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      http://www.dropmind.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      http://www.mapul.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      http://www.meadmap.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  http://www.mind42.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         http://www.mindmeister.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         http://www.mindomo.com/

Entrepreneurs who create a business plan are much more likely to succeed than those who don’t. Business plan software will help you plan the development of your business, which includes important things like marketing, growth, operations, as well as a proper exit strategy. Business plan software forces entrepreneurs to take a good look at the market and analyze the competition. This software will help you organize ideas, easily calculate financials, and give you plenty of examples to get you started.

Success should not be a surprise. Plan for success and use the best business plan software listed below.

Business plan Software

http://www.businessplanpro.com

Entrepreneurs interested in starting their own business should consult with the SBDC for helpful guidance.  The SBDC will help move things along through the many stages of business.  Even the most seasoned entrepreneurs should utilize the many valuable years of experience the SBDC can bring to the table.  Members of the SBDC are generally very wise and anxious to help.  The SBDC has been very kind to EntrepreneurFreak.com and has proven to be an invaluable resource.

SBDC List By State

Alabama SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA – Birmingham
1500 1st  Avenue North, R118 Birmingham, AL  35203
Phone:  205-307-6510
Fax:  205-307-6511
E-Mail:  williamc@uab.edu
Website:  http://www.asbdc.org/

Alaska SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA – ANCHORAGE
430 West Seventh Avenue, Suite 110
Anchorage, AK  99501-3550
Phone:  907-274 -7232
Fax:  907-272-0565
E-Mail:  anjad2@uaa.alaska.edu
Website:  http://www.aksbdc.org

American Samoa SBDC
AMERICAN SAMOA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
P.O. Box 2609
Pago Pago, American Samoa  96799
Phone:  011-684-699-4830
Fax:  011-684-699-6132
E-Mail:  htalex@worldet.att.net
Website:  http://www.as-sbdc.org/

Arizona SBDC
ARIZONA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK
Maricopa County Community College
2411 West 14th Street, Suite 114
Tempe, AZ  85281
Phone:  (480)731-8722
Fax:  (480)731-8729
E-Mail:  janice.washington@domail.maricopa.edu
Website:  https://www.azsbdc.net/

Arkansas SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS at Little Rock
2801 South University Avenue, Rm 260
Little Rock, AR  72204
Phone:  501-683-7700
Fax:  501-683-7720
E-Mail:  jmroderick@ualr.edu
Website:  http://asbdc.ualr.edu

California – Santa Ana SBDC
Tri-County Lead SBDC
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY – FULLERTON
800 North State College Boulevard, LH640
Fullerton, CA  92834
Phone:  714-278-2719
Fax:  714-278-7858
E-Mail:  vpham@fullerton.edu
Website:  http://www.leadsbdc.org

California – San Diego SBDC
SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
900 Otay Lakes Road,  Bldg. 1681
Chula Vista, CA  91910-7299
Phone:  619-482-6388
Fax:  619-482-6402
E-Mail:  dtrujillo@swc.cc.ca.us
Website:  http://www.sbditc.org/

California – Fresno SBDC
UC Merced Lead Center
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – MERCED
550 East Shaw, Suite 100
Fresno, CA  93710-7702
Phone:  559-241-6590
Fax:  559-241-7422
E-Mail:  lwright3@ucmerced.edu
Website:  http://sbdc.ucmerced.edu

California – Sacramento SBDC
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY – CHICO
35 Main Street, Room 203
Chico, CA  95929-0765
Phone:  530-898-4598
Fax:  530-898-4734
E-Mail:  dripke@csuchico.edu
Website: http://www.necsbdc.org/

California – San Francisco SBDC
Northern California SBDC Lead Center
HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
Office of Economic Development
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA,  95521
Phone:  707-826-3920
E-Mail: kristin.johnson@humboldt.edu
Website: http://www.norcalsbdc.org

California – Los Angeles Region SBDC
LONG BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
3950 Paramount Boulevard, Ste 101
Lakewood, CA  90712
Phone:  562-938-5004
Fax:  562-938-5030
E-Mail:  ssloan@lbcc.edu
Website: http://lasbdcnet.lbcc.edu/lead.html

Colorado SBDC
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1625 Broadway, Suite 2700
Denver, CO  80202
Phone:  303-892-3864
Fax:  303-892-3848
E-Mail:  Kelly.Manning@state.co.us
Website:  http://www.coloradosbdc.org/

Connecticut SBDC
University of Central Connecticut 185 Main Street
New Britain, CT  06051
Phone:  860-827-7104
Fax:  860-827-7112
E-Mail:  gilmoregin@ccsu.edu
Website:  http://www.ccsu.edu/sbdc/

Delaware SBDC
DELAWARE TECHNOLOGY PARK
1 Innovation Way, Suite 301
Newark, DE  19711
Phone:  302-831-1555
Fax:  302-831-1423
E-Mail:  tymesc@udel.edu
Website:  http://www.delawaresbdc.org

District of Columbia SBDC
HOWARD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
2600 6th Street, NW Room 128
Washington, DC  20059
Phone:  202-806-1550
Fax:  202-806-1777
E-Mail:  hturner@howard.edu
Website:  http://www.dcsbdc.com/

Florida SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
401 East Chase Street, Suite 100
Pensacola, FL  32502-6160
Phone:  850-473-7800
Fax:  850-473-7813
E-Mail:  jcartwright@uwf.edu
Website:  http://www.floridasbdc.com

Georgia SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
1180 East Broad Street
Athens, GA  30602-5412
Phone:  706-542-2762
Fax:  706-542-7935
E-mail:  aadams@georgiasbdc.org
Website:  http://www.georgiasbdc.org/

Hawaii SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII – HILO
308 Kamehameha Avenue, Suite 201
Hilo, HI  96720-2960
Phone:  808-974-7515
Fax:  808-974-7683
E-Mail:  darryl.mleynek@hawaii-sbdc.org
Website:  http://www.hawaii-sbdc.org/

Idaho SBDC
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725-1655
Phone:  208-426-3799
Fax:  208-426-3877
E-mail:  jhogge@boisestate.edu
Website:  http://www.idahosbdc.org

Illinois SBDC
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
620 East Adams Streer, 4th Floor
Springfield, IL 62701-1615
Phone:  217-524-5700
Fax:  217-524-0171
E-mail:  mark.petrilli@Illinois.gov
Website:  http://www.ildceo.net 

Indiana SBDC
INDIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
One North Capitol, Suite 900
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2043
Phone:  317-234-2086
Fax:  317-232-8872
E-mail:  jheinzmann@ilsbdc.org
Website:  http://www.isbdc.org

Iowa SBDC
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
340 Gerdin Business Bldg.
Ames, IA  50011-1350
Phone:  515-294-2030
Fax:  515-294-6522
E-mail: jimh@iastate.edu
Website:  http://www.iowasbdc.org/

Kansas SBDC
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
214 SW Sixth Street, Suite 301
Topeka, KS  66603-3719
Phone:  785-296-6514
Fax:  785-291-3261
E-mail:  ksbdc.wkearns@fhsu.edu
Website:  http://www.kansas.gov/ksbdc/

Kentucky SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
225 Gatton College of Business Economics Building
Lexington, KY  40506-0034
Phone:  859-257-7668
Fax:  859-323-1907
E-mail:  lrnaug0@uky.edu
Website:  http://www.ksbdc.org

Louisiana SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA – MONROE
College of Business Administration
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA  71209-6435
Phone:  318-342-5506
Fax:  318-342-5510
E-mail:  mlwillkerson@lsbdc.org
Website:  http://www.lsbdc.org/

Maine SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE
96 Falmouth Street P.O. Box 9300
Portland, ME  04103-9300
Phone:  207-780-4857
Fax:  207-780-4810
E-mail: mark.delisle@maine.edu
Website:  http://www.mainesbdc.org

Maryland SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
7100 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 401
College Park, MD  20740-3640
Phone:  301-403-8300 x 15
Fax:  301-403-8303
E-mail:  rsprow@mdsbdc.umd.edu
Website:  http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu

Massachusetts SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
227 Isenberg School of Management
121 President’s Drive
Amherst, MA  01003-9310
Phone:  413-545-6301
Fax:  413-545-1273
E-mail:  gep@msbdc.umass.edu
Website:  http://www.msbdc.org/

Michigan SBTDC
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
510 West Fulton Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI  49504
Phone:  616-331-7480
Fax:  616-331-7385
E-mail:  sbtdchg@gvsu.edu
Website:  http://www.gvsu.edu

Minnesota SBDC
MINNESOTA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
1st National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200
St. Paul, MN  55101-1351
Phone:  651-297-5770
Fax:  651-296-5287
E-mail:  michael.myhre@state.mn.us
Website:  http://www.mnsbdc.com

Mississippi SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
B-19 Jeanette Phillips Drive
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS  38677-1848
Phone:  662-915-5001
Fax:  662-915-5650
E-mail:  wgurley@olemiss.edu
Website:  http://www.mssbdc.org

Missouri SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
410 S. Sixth St.
200 Engineering North
Columbia, MO  65211
Phone:  573-882-0344
Fax:  573-884-4297
E-mail:  summersm@missouri.edu
Website:  http://www.missouribusiness.net

Montana SBDC
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
301 South Park Avenue, Room 116 / P.O. Box 200505
Helena, MT  59601
Phone:  406-841-27468
Fax:  406-841-2728
E-mail:  adesch@mt.gov
Website:  http://sbdc.mt.gov/

Nebraska SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – OMAHA
415 Roskens Hall
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE  68182 – 0248
Phone:  402-554-2521
Fax:  402-554-3473
E-mail:  rbernier@unomaha.edu
Website:  http://nbdc.unomaha.edu

Nevada SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA – RENO
Reno College of Business
Nazir Ansari Bldg. 032, Rm 4
Reno, NV  89557-0100
Phone:  775-784-1717
Fax:  775-784-4337
E-mail:  males@unr.edu
Website:  http://www.nsbdc.org

New Hampshire SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Mittemore School of Business and Economics, UNH
110 McConnell Hall
Durham, NH  03824-3593
Phone:  603-862-2200
Fax:  603-862-4876
E-mail:  Mary.Collins@unh.edu
Website:  http://www.nhsbdc.org

New Jersey SBDC
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
49 Bleeker Street
Newark, NJ  07102-1993
Phone:  973-353-1927
Fax:  973-353-1110
E-mail:  bhopper@njsbdc.com
Website:  http://www.njsbdc.com/

New Mexico SBDC
SANTA FE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
6401 Richards Avenue
Santa Fe, NM  87508-4887
Phone:  505-428-1362
Fax:  505-428-1469
E-mail:  rmiller@sfccnm.edu
Website:  http://www.nmsbdc.org/

New York SBDC
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Corporate Woods, 3rd Floor
Albany, NY  12246-0001
Phone:  518-443-5398
Fax:  518-443-5275
E-mail:  j.king@nyssbdc.org
Website:  http://www.nyssbdc.org/

North Carolina SBDTC
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
5 West Hargett Street, Suite 600
Raleigh, NC  27601-1348
Phone:  919-715-7272
Fax:  919-715-7777
E-mail:  sdaugherty@sbtdc.org
Website:  http://www.sbtdc.org/

North Dakota SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
1600 E. Century Avenue, Suite 2
Bismarck, ND  58501
Phone:  701-328-5375
Fax:  701-328-5381
E-mail:  bon@ndsbdc.org
Website:  http://www.ndsbdc.org

Ohio SBDC
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
128th Floor
P.O. Box 1001
Columbus, OH  43216-1001
Phone:  614-466-2711
Fax:  614-466-0829
E-mail:  mabraham@odod.state.oh.us
Website: entrepreneurohio.org

Oklahoma SBDC
SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
1405 N 4th Avenue, PMB 2584
Durant, OK  74701-0609
Phone:  580-745-2877 x 2955
Fax:  580-745-7471
E-mail:  gpennington@sosu.edu
Website:  http://www.osbdc.org

Oregon SBDC
LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
99 West Tenth Avenue, Suite 390
Eugene, OR  97401-3015
Phone:  541-463-5250
Fax:  541-345-6006
E-mail:  carterb@lanecc.edu
Website:  http://www.bizcenter.org

Guam Small Business Development Center
UNIVERSITY OF GUAM
Pacific Islands SBDC
P.O. Box 5014 – U.O.G. Station Mangilao
Mangilao, GU  96923
Phone:  671-735-2590
Fax:  671-734-2002
E-mail:  casey@pacificsbdc.com
Website:  http://www.pacificsbdc.com
* For Guam time, add 15 hours to EST

Pennsylvania SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
The Wharton School
3733 Spruce Street, Vance Hall, 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA  19104-6374
Phone:  215-898-1219
Fax:  215-573-2135
E-mail:  ghiggins@wharton.upenn.edu
Website:  http://pasbdc.org

Puerto Rico SBDC
INTER-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO
Union Plaza Building, Suite 1000
416 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 10th Floor
Hato Rey, PR  00918
Phone:  787-763-6811
Fax:  787-763-6875
E-mail:  cmarti@prsbdc.org
Website:  http://www.prsbdc.org

Rhode Island SBDC
JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY
270 Weybosset Street, 4th Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-598-2704
Fax: 401-598-2722
E-mail: john.cronin@jwu.edu
Website: http://www.risbdc.org

South Carolina SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Darlamoore School of Business
1710 College Street, Hipp Building
Columbia, SC  29208 – 9980
Phone:  803-777-4907
Fax:  803-777-4403
E-mail:  lenti@darla.moore.sc.edu
Website:  http://www.moore.sc.edu/

South Dakota SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Beacom School of Business
414 East Clark Street, Patterson Hall
Vermillion, SD  57069
Phone:  605-677-5287Fax:  605-677-5427
E-mail:  jshemmin@usd.edu
Website:  http://www.sdsbdc.org/

Tennessee SBDC
MIDDLE TENNESEE STATE UNIVERSITY
615 Memorial Boulevard
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Phone: 615-849-9999
Fax: 615-217-8548
E-mail:  pgeho@mail.tsbdc.org
Website:  http://www.tsbdc.org

Texas-Houston SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
2302 Fannin, Suite 200
Houston, TX  77002
Phone:  713-752-8444
Fax:  713-756-1500
E-mail:  fyoung@uh.edu
Website:  http://sbdcnetwork.uh.edu

Texas-North SBDC
DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1402 Corinth Street, Suite 2111
Dallas, TX  75215
Phone:  214-860-5835
Fax:  214-860-5813
E-mail:  emk9402@dcccd.edu
Website:  http://www.ntsbdc.org

Texas-NW SBDC
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
2579 South Loop 289, Suite 114
Lubbock, TX  79423-1637
Phone:  806-745-3973
Fax:  806-745-6207
E-mail:  c.bean@nwtsbdc.org
Website:  http://www.nwtsbdc.org

Texas-South-West Texas Border SBDC Network
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS – SAN ANTONIO
501 West Durango Boulevard
San Antonio, TX  78207-4415
Phone:  210-458-2450
Fax:  210-458-2425
E-mail:  ied@utsa.edu
Website:  http://www.txsbdc.org

Utah SBDC
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
9750 South 300 West – LHM
Salt Lake City,  UT  84070
Phone:  801-957-3481
E-mail:  Greg.Panichello@slcc.edu
Website:  http://www.utahsbdc.org/

VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
PO Box 188, 1 Main Street
Randolph Center, VT  05061-0188
Phone:  802-728-9101
Fax:  802-728-3026
E-mail:  lquillen@vtsbdc.org
Website:  http://www.vtsbdc.org

Virgin Islands SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
8000 Nisky Center, Suite 720
Charlotte Amalie
St. Thomas, VI  00802-5804
Phone:  340-776-3206
Fax:  340-775-3756
E-mail:  ldottin@uvi.edu
Website:  http://sbdcvi.org/

Virginia SBDC
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Mason Enterprise Center
4031 University Drive, Suite 200
Fairfax, VA  22030-3409
Phone:  703-277-7727
Fax:  703-352-8518
E-mail:  jkeenan@gmu.edu
Website:  http://www.virginiasbdc.org

Washington SBDC
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
534 E. Spokane Falls Blvd.
P.O. Box 1495
Spokane, WA  99210-1495
Phone:  509-358-7765
Fax:  509-358-7764
E-mail:  barogers@wsu.edu
Website:  http://www.wsbdc.org

West Virginia SBDC
WEST VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV  25305
Phone:  304-558-2960
Fax:  304-558-0127
E-mail:  mgamble@wvsbdc.org
Website:  http://www.sbdcwv.org/

Wisconsin SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
432 North Lake Street, Room 423
Madison, WI 53706
Phone:  608-263-7794
Fax:  608-263-7830
E-mail:  debra.malewicki@uwex.edu
Website:  http://www.wisconsinsbdc.org

Wyoming SBDC
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
1000 E. University, Dept. 3922
Laramie, WY 82979
Phone:  307-766-3505
Fax:  307-766-3406
E-mail:  DDW@uwyo.edu
Website:  http://www.uwyo.edu/sbdc

New business grants are available to entrepreneurs who are able to use the grant money for the intended purpose. Grants are an incentive to encourage entrepreneurs to engage in specific types of business. Typically, new business grants are offered for research and environmental purposes. In other words, if your business does not make the world a better place from a hippies perspective the chances are you will not be getting grant money anytime soon. Although this may be true, it is always best to check for new business grants anyway. If you find a grant that ties into your primary business you should consider applying for the grant. A lot of other entrepreneurs will be applying for the same grant so make sure you take the time to make your application to stand out from the crowd.

Once you receive your new business grant stay true to your promise and use the money the way it was intended. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain. Get started today and apply for your new business grant!

Find Grant opportunities, Search for Grant Opportunities , Apply for Grants @ www.grants.gov

“Leverage Your Creativity” 

Copyright protection allows the original works of an author/entrepreneur to be protected from unauthorized use. Interestingly enough, the word copyright means, the “right to copy.” Accordingly, copyright protection grants the author/entrepreneur of original works the exclusive right to use such works and the exclusive right to authorize permission to use material currently under copyright protection.

Common law copyright protection is automatically assigned to both published and unpublished original works. This means new creative works do not technically have to be registered with the federal government to have copyright protection. For this reason it is safe to say virtually all new literary works, music, pictures, drawings, movies, sculptors, architecture , and graphics have copyright protection in place and may not be used without the authors consent. This also means, as an entrepreneur, all your fresh content is instantly copyright protected!

Entrepreneurs looking to run a successful business will go the extra mile and secure registered copyright protection by registering with the federal government. This will ensure that your work is protected by the furthest extent possible and doubles as a great deterrent to scammers, con artists, competitors, and other would-be bad fellows looking to cash in on your hard work.

Benefits of registering for copyright protection:

1. Constructive notice to the public of the registrants claim of copyright.

2. Registration is necessary before an infringement suit may be filed in the court of law.

3. If registration occurs within 3 months from publication, or before an infringement, statutory damages and attorney fees will be paid to the rightful owner of the copyright in question. Furthermore, infringement is a criminal offence and carries additional penalties.

4. Registered copyright protection grants the owner the opportunity to file with the United States Customs and Border Protection in efforts to stop any infringing copies from entering the nation.

Here are two more reasons to register your copyright:

1. Copyright protection is cheap

2. Copyright protection is easy

Steps to register your copyright

• Go to http://www.loc.gov/

• Click “Publications.”

• Click “Copyright Office.”

• Click “Forms.”

• Read the provided tutorials

• Click the button labeled Electronic Copyright Office

• Complete the application

• Upload a copy of your work

• Pay the low filing fee

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The online census is a wonderful place for entrepreneurs to round up valuable statistics to improve their existing business and recognize new business opportunities. Common uses of the online census include; industry study, market analysis, investment evaluation, and public demographic examination. The online census can help determine who your target market is and where to find your target customer. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to use the free, powerful, and effective tools the online census has to offer. Doing so will give your company the advantage it needs to become an industry leader.

Online Census Uses 

1. Analyze your competition

2. Gauge market share

3. Detect business markets

4. Establish distribution channels

5. Determine proper site location

6. Set territories and sales quotas

7. Support business proposals and presentations

8. Assess fresh business opportunities

9. Research cause and effect relationships

10. Examine local business needs

Vist the Online Census at http://www.census.gov/ and use the Data Tools to your advantage!

All entrepreneurs earning a taxable income must select a business structure and register their business and with the state. Registering your business is mandatory; however, entrepreneurs have a few options when it comes to the organizational structure of which the business operates. Choosing the right business structure is a very important decision that can have a large impact on how much money a company retains, how much risk owners are personally liable for, and how the business operates on a day to day basis. Take a moment and analyze your company. Are you looking to raise capitol from investors, have total control of management, limit personal liability, or share profits? Are you forming this business structure with a tight budget? Then, determine what it is going to take to launch your new business, how your business will be run, and where you see your business headed in years to come. Review the options below and choose a business structure that is best for you.

Sole Proprietor

The most common form of business and the easiest to operate. A sole proprietor business structure is fully owned by one individual or married couple. The sole proprietor has complete control over all management issues and all other business decisions. Sole Proprietorships are not taxed as a separate entity; all taxes are passed to the individual. A sole proprietor is responsible for all debts made by the company and personally liable for anything that may occur.

General Partnership

General partnerships consist of 2 or more people who agree to donate their time, money, or skills for ownership in the business. This business structure is relatively easy to set up; all terms of management, operations, and profit sharing are covered in the partnership agreement. Partners usually have an equal stake in profits and losses as well as unlimited personal liability for all debts of the company. A general partnership is not taxed, all taxes flow through to the individual. Losses may be deducted against other sources of incomes.

 LLC Companies

LLC Companies have become very popular in recent years due to their unique business structure. LLC Companies are formed by having members fill out the articles of organization and filing with the state. Members of an llc company can consist of one persons including entities. All members have management rights unless otherwise stated in the articles of organization. Members of an llc company enjoy the benefit of limited personal liability for company debts. Taxes are passed through to the individual unless the llc decides to be taxed as a corporation. This business structure takes a bit more effort to set up then a sole proprietor or partnership but is well worth it. Example, if somebody walked into your restaurant; slipped, tripped, and died (or seriously injured), you may have a heavy lawsuit on your hands. If you owned an llc company the most you could loose is the amount invested within your company. You get to keep your house, boat, planes……..well you get the picture. Limited liability is a good thing.

 C Corporation

The C Corporation is most suitable for large companies with high revenues. This business structure is appealing for investors and banks; please consider this if you are looking for outside money. Shareholders have limited personal liability up to the amount of money they have invested with the company. A C Corporation is taxed initially as a separate entity then again as dividends are paid to the shareholders. This is known as double taxation. Double taxation is an expensive option for an entrepreneur on a shoe string budget who routinely pays out salaries and dividends to pay for things like their mortgage. However, a matured company with high revenues can retain money within the company and save on taxes. Retained earnings are taxed at a lower rate then if they were directly passed through to the individual or subject to double taxation. This business structure is subject to many operational requirements, procedures, and hierarchies. It is essential that companies follow the operational guidelines of a C Corporation to be legally viewed as one.

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Incorporate or Form an LLC – Establish credibility with prospects, customers, vendors, and lenders

Registered Trademark vs. Trademark

“Protect Your Brand” 

Smart entrepreneurs use a federally registered trademark to protect their brand identity from unauthorized use. A registered trademark offers maximum protection on a national scale and serves as a cornerstone for building brand equity. A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, design, or any combination thereof that clearly identifies and distinguishes the source of one parties goods from other competing parties goods. A service mark is another type of mark distinguishing one parties services from other competing parties services. A registered trademark encompasses both goods and services.

Entrepreneurs have the option of registering a character mark or a special form mark. Character marks can only be composed of words, letters and numbers and offer the greatest depth of protection for your brand name. A special form mark, commonly called a design plus words mark, should be used for any stylized piece you are wishing to protect such as a logo. Be aware that special form marks protect only the exact mark that is registered. Any deviation from the original registered trademark will loose its enforceability. This is why it is commonly recommended that entrepreneurs register a character mark for words and a special form mark for design related components; this way your brand name is always protected under law.

Reasons to apply for a registered trademark:

• Owning a registered trademark is the only way for an entrepreneur to gain the exclusive right to use their mark in all states and should be an essential task for any serious entrepreneur dealing in intrastate commerce.

• Registered trademarks provide notice to the public regarding ownership so there is no confusion as to what marks are registered and what marks may still be available for use in commerce.

• Sinse this is the case; federal courts rule in favor of the owner of a registered trademark.

• After a registered trademark is issued the owner can then file with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to put an end to fraudulent importation of knock off goods.

Steps to successfully register a trademark:

Research

1. Define the product class you wish to trademark.

• You can find this info @ http://www.uspto.gov
• Perform a basic search for similar marks Using TESS.
• Alternately use a service like http://www.mrtrademark.com/

2. Submit proposed mark

• Look for similar marks in the same class
• If there are no confusingly similar marks within the same class you have passed the first hurdle; you may proceed to step 3.

3. Check for state registered filings with each Secretary of State Office.

 Click here for links to each Secretary of State.

• If there are no confusingly similar marks within the same class you have passed the second hurdle; you may proceed to step 4.

4. Search for “common law” use of proposed trademark.

• There is no exact science to this step, but you want to be as thorough as possible.
• Search trade directories, search engines, newspapers , magazines, etc.
• If no similar marks have shown up so far it should be safe to use in commerce. 

Claim your mark

 5. Use the TM or SM symbol next to your mark to acquire common law trademark rights

• TM for products
• SM for services

6. Use mark with trademark symbol in ordinary course of trade.

• This is referred to as “first use.”

 7. Use mark in ordinary course of trade resulting in federally regulated commerce.

• This is referred to as “first use in commerce.
• Marks must be used in commerce to apply for a registered trademark.

Apply for a registered trademark

8. Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office and apply for a registered trademark.

• Go to http://uspto.gov/
• Click trademarks – File on line forms
• Under Forms read TEAS Tutorial & Electronic filing tips
• Under Forms click “File new application”
• Choose “Trademark/Servicemark application, Principal Register”
• Unless you are an attorney choose the “TEAS Form” (it is easier to use)
• Follow directions and enter correct information.
• If the proposed mark is consists of words only a character mark will give the broadest protection. For instance registering your brand name as a character mark allows you the flexibility to use your mark in different designs without loosing trademark protection.
• If the proposed mark is a logo, has a specific design, or uses color it is required to submit a drawing along with the application for a registered trademark.

9. Submit application with proper payment, cross your figures, and wait patiently.

 10. Once you receive your Certificate of Registration you may now use the “R” symbol.

Congratulations!

You now have a registered trademark.

Now get out there and make some money!

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Get a full trademark search for $99 at http://www.mrtrademark.com/

 Before I explain how to patent your next word changing, money making invention it is important to understand what a patent is, what types of patents are available, and what things to consider before applying for a patent.

What is a Patent?

A patent is a property right given to the originator of a new invention, process, or design. New patents are issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent ownership grants the exclusive right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention in the United States. Hence, inventors often seek patent ownership to prevent others from stealing what they have worked so hard to produce. Patents promote, among other things; research and development, advanced technology, health care, and a better way of living. It is up to the owner of a patent to watch for infringement. Civil suits may be filed to award the owner damages related to the infringement.

Types of Patents

 The USPTO offers three patents:

1. Utility Patent – Available to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or compositions of matters, or any new useful improvement thereof. Utility patents last 20 years form the date of filing.

2. Design Patent – May be granted to anyone who invents a new original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture. Design patents last 20 years from the date of filing.

3. Plant Patent – May be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant. Plant patents last 14 years from the date of filing.

 Questions to ask yourself

• Do I have enough money to obtain a patent?
• An average patent will cost between $10,000 and $30,000.
• Am I willing to take the time necessary to obtain a patent?
• Patents are not issued very fast, the approval process can take 1 to 2 years from the original application filing date.
• Is my invention feasible?
• Determine if the marketplace has a need for your new invention, how much it will cost, and forecast earnings from this information.
• Should I consider a Provisional Patent?
• Provisional patents are a cheap and easy way to temporarily protect your invention for a period of 12 months. Generally people apply for a provisional patent to test the marketplace before going through the burden of a formal patent application. Provisional Patents cost $220.

 How to patent your invention

If your business model is feasible and you have both the time and money to finish the application process it is now time to take the next step and patent your invention!

1. Patent search – Before you apply for a patent it is a good idea to conduct a thorough patent search. Performing a patent search will uncover any existing patents so you do not infringe upon them. Visit www.uspto.govand perform a broad search in multiple categories slowly narrowing your description. If you find there are no pre-existing patents filed you have successfully finished the first step. At this point it is highly recommended that you hire an attorney to perform a professional patent search this costs about $600 and will assure you that indeed nobody has filed a patent that you would otherwise be infringing upon.

2. Description – A written description must be submitted. The description should describe in detail how proposed invention was made and how it will be used.

3. Drawing – An accurate drawing must be submitted in the application. A detailed description of the features in the drawing are also required.

4. Claims – A formal claim as to exactly what it is that you are patenting is essential. Be very careful what you are claiming. Claim the wrong thing and your patent may be unenforceable. Again, it is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer.

5. File – Submit your fees and file your application.

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