Small Business Counseling and Services

Business owners and entrepreneurs are submitting their applications for the small business stimulus package!  Some the entries we’ve had so far are:

• photography business
• sewing and crafting supplies shop
• senior citizen assistance service

Thanks to Anita Campbell for announcing the contest on her site, Small Business Trends.

Business Sponsors

We’ve also had some more sponors come forward.  A QuickBooks and Peachtree software trainer is offering a free QuickBooks Pro software consultation or a business plan review for small business owners.  She’s also a SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executive) counselor, SCORE is a service you should definitely check into if you’re a small business owner.  From their about page:

“SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).”

Basically, these are experienced business people that are offering their advice and counsel to small business owners free of charge.  I’ve visited our local SCORE resource center several times and also received some assistance from one of their online business counselors.  It’s a great resource for business owners, I’d check it out.  Even if you don’t want to take advantage of the counseling they offer tons of great information.  For example, they teamed up with Visa to offer a free small business financial management course online.

What can you do with $250?

I did have someone email me asking what good only $250 would do a small business owner.  Well for $250, you could get at least an annual subscription to any of the below services:

• Cut the time and money you spend on faxes, sign up for an online email fax service from Myfax
• Start an email marketing newsletter for your small business with Aweber
• Put your business on the internet, sign up for Bluehost small business web hosting at bluehost
• Cut your telephone costs and get a toll free number with Ringcentral online phone service

Free Business Incorporation

MyCorporation is a service that lets you incorporate online and they’ve extended their offering to help you start a business.  It’s their version of a small business stimulus package; they’re offering free incorporations and LLC formations for the rest of the month. 

Click Here to start your business (coupon code MYGIFT)

Ben Edwards, the founder of Money Smart Life, saved up enough to buy a Nintendo back when he was 12 years old. When he used the money to buy shares of Wal-Mart stock instead, he knew he wasn't like the other kids... His addiction to personal finance has paid off for his family and now he's helping you to afford the life that you want. Check him out on the web at Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.

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