Business Resources
This is not intended as legal, financial, or tax advice. You should consult your legal, financial or tax advisor if you have any questions. The materials were prepared by the staff of the West Georgia Regional Library System. Although this information was prepared with care, it is not designed to be a complete or definitive analysis of this area. Moreover, this information was prepared with the understanding that it reflects the creators perception of the materials. This project is funded by the generous support of the Community Foundation of West Georgia’s Community Impact Fund.
The Library of Congress has a huge number of resources for entrepreneurs. This Small Business Hub is designed to highlight where to start, no matter what stage of business you’re in, with a focus on sources for businesses located in the United States. Each topical page features a few recommended books, free websites, and subscription databases. Additionally, we’ve included links to our in-depth research guides and strategies for solving your business information needs.
- Writing a Business Plan
- Business License & Permit Forms
- State of Georgia Business Legal Forms
- Local Chamber of Commerce & Business Associations
- Small Business Resources
- Business Resources for Women & Minorities
- Georgia Women & Minority Certifications
- Funding & Finance
- Small Business & Self Employed Tax Information
- Intellectual Property
- Business Courses & Webinars
- Researching your Industry & Market
- Industry Research
- Company Research
- Consumer Research
Writing a Business Plan
Small Business Association Learning Center (SBA) - How to Write a Business Plan
Learn how to write a business plan
A step by step guide on how to write a business plan, including writing your business description, financial projections, and marketing and sales strategies.
SCORE - Business Plan Template
Easy-to-follow instructions for completing eleven business plan sections
The small business mentoring program SCORE has developed a business plan template that includes easy-to-follow instructions for completing eleven business plan sections, questions to help you think through each aspect, and corresponding fillable worksheet/s for critical sections. At the end you will have a working business plan for your current business or start-up.
Business Plan Guides - BPlans
Get business plan inspiration!
Need help writing your business plan? Explore over 550 industry-specific business plan examples for inspiration.
Business License and Permit Forms
State of Georgia Business Legal Forms
LegalForms Gale Database
*Must have library card to access database*
Gale LegalForms helps patrons understand common legal procedures through access to authentic, professional legal documents for businesses and it is the only electronic reference to offer legal forms that are truly state-specific. Included: Georgia Business Start Up Package and Georgia Business Accounting Package.
Local Chamber of Commerce and Business Associations
By County and City
Small Business Resources
Small Business Development Center at University of West Georgia University of Georgia
Confidential, consulting services free of charge
The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at the University of West Georgia is part of the Richards College of Business and is one of 18 centers in the Georgia SBDC Network. The professional business consultants at the UGA SBDC at the University of West Georgia offer confidential, consulting services free of charge to companies seeking management, marketing, and financial advice. Some assistance is also provided to pre-venture businesses that have gathered the necessary information and are ready to move forward.
Stone Center for Family Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Resources for family businesses in West GA
The center is a resource for family businesses in the West Georgia region seeking to navigate the opportunities and challenges that face family businesses including succession planning, family business governance, integrating non-family employees, family business culture, exit strategies, and much more.
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
The Georgia Chamber serves as an advocate for the business community at the state and federal levels.
It offers strategic guidance, advocacy, and a range of resources aimed at promoting growth, prosperity, and competitiveness among Georgia's businesses. The Georgia Chamber provides small businesses with access to health plans, legislative advocacy, resources for growth, and networking opportunities to connect with other businesses and leaders
Georgia Center of Innovation
The Center of Innovation is a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development
Provider of a wide range of services and programs to businesses of all types and sizes. The Center’s specialty is drilling down to the details and linking new and expanding businesses to our expert staff members, external partners, and independent mentors who can help spark inspired solutions for challenges and opportunities of any size.
State of Georgia Starting a Business Guide
A free 12-step guide to starting a business
To help you navigate the process of starting a business, the state of Georgia has developed a business guide to make the process simple. The guide includes a 12 step process, including how to register with the Secretary of State, how to get a federal EIN, and reserving your business name.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Resource Guide from the SBA
Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. The U.S. Small Business Administration has developed a guide providing all the resources you need to start, manage, and grow your small business.
U.S. Department of Treasury - Small Business Resources
Resources from the US Department of Treasury to assist small businesses
The U.S. Department of Treasury Small Business Resource Center provides a list of federal assistance programs, including legal and regulatory business resources for small businesses.
SCORE - Service Corps of Retired Executives - Mentoring Program
Free expert mentoring from retired entrepreneurs
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Business Resources for Women and Minorities
Southern Crescent Women in Business
This organization is a conglomerate of women owned businesses and women in business that have come together to change the economic landscape in the South Metro Area.
Southern Crescent WIB was founded by local businesswoman Ariel Shaw, MBA. Partnerships for the organization extend throughout South Metro Atl, North Metro Atl, and Florida. Their vision is to develop key partnerships, deepen business relationships and to provide resources to assist in the growth of women owned business and women in business.
Greater Women's Business Council
Empowering, educating, and supporting women business enterprises
The Greater Women’s Business Council® (GWBC®) is an organization that empowers, educates and supports women business enterprises who represent the fastest growing number of women businesses in the country. As a part of our product offerings, GWBC is a regional partner of Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and provides a national certification in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina that is accepted by Fortune 100 and 500 companies and government entities.
The Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project
WEOP fosters the economic advancement of women of color who are self-employed and small business owners through education, resources, and professional networks
WEOP provides women power, purpose, and a platform through advocating for policies supporting women in business and financial sustainability, increased leadership, and greater civic engagement.
The Georgia Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center
Helping businesses experience significant growth, create and retain jobs, and become sustainable
The Georgia MBDA Business Center is part of a national network of 40 centers and special projects funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency to help grow and strengthen SEDI-owned firms. They are operated by the Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2), a unit of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Their mission is to help businesses experience significant growth, create and retain jobs, and become sustainable thereby having an overall positive economic impact on communities and the nation.
Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce
Resources for black business owners and professionals in Georgia / Atlanta
The Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit organization dedicated to serving black business owners and professionals in Georgia / Atlanta and its surrounding areas. Founded in 2004, GGBCC offers education, resources and networking opportunities to our members in an effort to increase the economic vitality of the business community as a whole.
National Urban League
Supporting the growth of minority entrepreneurs
This organization supports the development and growth of minority entrepreneurs in a manner that leads to the creation of jobs in sustainable businesses and ultimately generates wealth for the owners, their families, and their communities.The Entrepreneurship Center Program (ECP), with its focus on accelerating the growth of Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, is an even more crucial component in the quest for improved quality of life and economic resilience.
Black Business Alliance
Growth resources for black owned businesses
The goal of the Black Business Alliance is to make minority business owners aware of growth resources through education to ensure long-term success and a strong community impact for black owned businesses.
Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Development Center
Economic empowerment for hispanic businesses
The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Development Center, also known as the Hispanic Business Center supports the economic empowerment of the Hispanic community. Its mission is to economically empower Hispanic businesses through education, business expertise, and access to resources.
Georgia Economic Developers Association - Rural Development Strategies (SIG)
Rural business focused resources & organizations
Provides a list of organizations that support economic development in rural Georgia focusing on educational and leadership opportunities for rural economic developers.
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Supporting LGBTQ Business owners and providing certification
The goal of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is to support LGBTQ business owners and showcase the diversity of talent in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. NGLCC has a diversity certification program, making the organization the exclusive national third-party certifying body for LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Georgia Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
One-Stop-Shop for veteran business owners or entrepreneurs
The VBOC is designed as a one-stop-shop for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses looking to start, purchase or grow a business. Responsible for the Boots to Business, Reboot, business development assistance, training, counseling, mentoring and resource referrals across Georgia, the VECTR Center looks forward to assisting military-affiliated personnel discover their talent, aptitude, and unique skills in starting or growing their own business.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veteran Entrepreneur Portal
Where to start to start, purchase or grow a veteran owned business
A resource for veterans and military spouses looking to start, purchase or grow a business. Includes resources for: accessing financing, franchising opportunities, and veteran owned certification.
Georgia Women and Minority Business Certifications
Georgia Department of Administrative Services
An overview of the process of how to get certified as a Minority, Veteran or Women-Owned Business
An overview of the process of how to get certified as a Minority, Veteran or Women-Owned Business in the state of Georgia. Includes an informational video to learn and understand the business certification process.
- The Georgia Department of Transportation Certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
- Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council Certifies Minority Business Enterprise Firms
- Greater Women’s Business Council Certifies Women Business Enterprise Firms
- National Veteran-Owned Business Association Certifies Veteran Business Enterprises
- U.S. Small Business Administration certifies Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB), Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), and 8(a) Certified companies.
- U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Certifies Asian American and other Minority-Owned Businesses.
Funding & Finance
What to do Before Asking for Funding - SBA
Learn what to do before seeking funding for your business.
The Small Business Administration has developed a guide to assure your success when applying for financial assistance for your business. Included: how to prepare your financial statements, how to choose your funding source, and learn about SBA guaranteed loans.
Small Business Credit Initiative - SSBCI
Consult small and micro business specialists
The UGA Small Business Development Center has a team of business advisors who serve as small and micro business finance specialists. This team is tasked with working with market segments that often lack access to capital or have difficulty accessing traditional lending. Business advisors are available to assist businesses through advisory services and educational training programs.
Georgia Small Business Grants and Loans
A list of financial institutions that provide grants and loans to small businesses.
Grow Georgia Grants for Small and Minority Owned Business
Help with specialized grants for small and minority owned businesses
Grow Georgia is an organization that helps small and minority-owned businesses with loans, grants, supplier-diversity programs, and other educational programs.
Small Business and Self Employed Tax Information
Georgia Department of Revenue
Checklist for new business owners
The Georgia Department of Revenue has created a checklist for new business owners to follow while registering their new business with the state. Included is how to register your business to pay business related taxes, where to get certain permits and licenses, how to register company vehicles, and understanding your responsibilities regarding state withholding taxes.
Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
Taxpayer resources
Resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040 or 1040-SR, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.
Understanding Small Business Taxes Handbook
Tax information related to the various stages of business ownership
FDIC’s Understanding Small Business Taxes Handbook provides small business owners with tax information related to the various stages of business ownership. The handbook navigates you through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) web site in general, identifies specific IRS tax sections, such as tax forms, tax guidance, and publications.
Intellectual property
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Public Patent Search
Find a patent
Public search database that allows you to search for both U.S. patents and U.S. patent applications.
Patent Basics
How to identify if an idea or product is patentable
Provided by the United States Patent And Trademark Office, learn how to identify if your idea or creation is patentable, how to apply for a patent, and how to maintain a patent. Further information is provided on how to search for a local Patent and Trademark Resource Center.
Atlanta Regional Outreach Office is scheduled to open in 2025.
Trademark Basics
How to identity if an idea or product needs a trademarf
Provided by the United States Patent And Trademark Office, learn how to identify if your idea or creation needs a trademark, how to apply to register your trademark, and how to maintain your registration.
Copyright Basics
Learn how to claim a copyright
Learn how to protect your original work of authorship by applying for copyright protection. Watch the Learning Engine Video Series to understand copyright laws and how to register your copyright claims.
Business Courses and Webinars
Small Business Association Learning Center
SBA courses on building a successful business
The Small Business Association Learning Center provides courses on how to build a successful business. Topics include how to plan, launch, manage, market, and grow your business.
Coursera Free Business Courses
500 free online business topic courses
Develop new business skills or learn how to build a business by accessing over 500 free online business topic courses. Topics include: Launch Your Online Business, Creating promotional videos, and Food and Beverage Management.
Harvard University Free Business Courses
Free online business topic courses from Harvard professors
Develop new business skills or learn how to build a business by accessing free online business topic courses taught by Harvard University professors. Topics include: Technology Entrepreneurship, Exercising Leadership, and Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health.
Researching Your Industry and Market
Georgia Corporation Division - Business Search
Find a business
Search Georgia businesses by name or type to locate control #, business type, address, and current status.
Census Business Builder
Simple to access census data
A suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Explore data and statistics
Information on current state and local employment statistics, consumer expenditures, and economical and financial publications.
Standard Industrial Classification Code List
Industry organized classification codes for licenses
List of the standardized classification codes for each industry needed for business licenses and statistical purposes for government agencies.
Industry Research
Library of Congress - Industry Research Guide
This guide is designed as a starting point for those looking to do research on industrie
Since this guide is intended as only a starting point, every industry cannot be addressed individually but the sources and strategies included here should provide a good start. Those who might find the sources and strategies in this guide helpful would include:
- Entrepreneurs who are opening their first business
- Existing business owners looking to expand their markets or better understand them
- Grant writers needing data to include in their proposal
- Academics, students or professors, working on their assignments and projects
- Entrepreneurs who are opening their first business
- Existing business owners looking to expand their markets or better understand them
- Grant writers needing data to include in their proposal
- Academics, students or professors, working on their assignments and projects
Data Catalog
Data, tools, and resources to conduct research
Open data portal of the federal government where you can find data, tools, and resources to conduct research, develop web and mobile applications, design data visualizations, and more. Includes data from state and county entities. Browse by topic, filter by location, organization, topic, format, etc. The data comes from the United States government as well as state, city, and county resources.
Company Research
Library of Congress - Company Research Guide
This guide is designed to give someone searching for company information a place to start with a few ideas and strategies for finding company information.
The content of this guide is not intended to include all sources of company information, in all places, or published by all publishers—there are too many sources than could be included in a single guide. While the bulk of this guide is focused on more common sources that may be of use for those looking for information on companies that are in the U.S. and active, and for those looking for current information - there is a section for international companies and many of the sources can also be used for historical research.
Thomas Register
A searchable database of North American manufacturing companies and products
Thomas Register, a searchable database of North American manufacturing companies and products, contains entries for more than 173,000 U.S. and Canadian companies, over 152,000 brand names, as well as links to over 8,000 online supplier catalogs and Web sites. Users can search by company, product, service, trade or brand name; and products are also indexed using over 72,000 product heading classifications to help users to define their searches. Once users have selected product headings and viewed the listings of companies within those headings, they can refine their searches by adding additional keywords or by limiting the results to a particular state or province. Results contain brief company profiles, and links to online catalogs, when available.
US Securities and Exchange Commission - Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval
EDGAR is the primary system for companies and others submitting documents under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Containing millions of company and individual filings, EDGAR benefits investors, corporations, and the U.S. economy overall by increasing the efficiency, transparency, and fairness of the securities markets. The system processes about 3,000 filings per day, serves up 3,000 terabytes of data to the public annually, and accommodates 40,000 new filers per year on average.
Access to EDGAR’s public database is free—allowing you to research, for example, a public company’s financial information and operations by reviewing the filings the company makes with the SEC. You can also research information provided by mutual funds (including money market funds), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), variable annuities, and individuals.
Consumer Research
American Customer Satisfaction Index
Measure of customer satisfaction in the US
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) is the only national cross-industry measure of customer satisfaction in the United States. The Index measures the satisfaction of U.S. household consumers with the quality of products and services offered by both foreign and domestic firms with significant share in U.S. markets.
The ACSI benefits business, researchers, policymakers, and consumers alike by serving as a national indicator of the health of the U.S. economy, as well as a tool for gauging the competitiveness of individual firms and predicting future profitability.