Best of the Best Business Websites (Free Resources): The 2009 Selection

The only real weakness of HrGopher is that it tends to include a plethora of general websites and not specific research cases targeted at academic researchers. Some of these websites may not be as appropriate for a college student looking for specific articles in academic peer reviewed journals. Otherwise, this source is great for public libraries.—Kelly Evans, Business Information Specialist, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Small Business

U.S. Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov

Starting and maintaining a business is a complex proposition with myriad things to learn and do. One might wish for a trusted, experienced mentor to help navigate the process and provide reliable, timely information. With the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website, the wish for help and support for all aspects of a small business is fulfilled.

By using the SBA homepage, the small business owner or researcher has a wealth of information, resources, and assistance at their fingertips. Whether the user is in the dreaming or planning stages of a small business, is already well-established, or is looking ahead at succession planning, the site has solid, up-to-date information for every need. This easy-to-use and navigate site is maintained by the SBA, which is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government. The SBA has been in existence since the 1950s, and its goal is to support and help develop small businesses.

The colored tabs at the top of the screen and the clearly labeled links lead to tools, statistics, small business success stories, and frequently used forms, as well as information and guidance about market and industry research, funding, disaster planning, personnel issues, legal considerations, and much more. For researchers, there is an Online Library Reading Room with reports on topics such as employee turnover, gender and minority issues in small business, and microlending, among others. To appeal to a wide audience, the site can also be navigated in several languages.

One major highlight of the website is the Small Business Planner, which is a one-stop toolkit that includes resources and information for the small business owner, including an online workshop and materials on business planning, support for business growth, and information about the SBA’s financial assistance program.

In addition to information, the site also provides ways to find mentors and connect with other small business owners via online chat forums and events, and provides a link to SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business,” an organization that connects retired small business owners who serve as mentors for new business owners. There are also a number of online training opportunities available.

The site’s other valuable tools include online chats, podcasts and videos, reports and statistics on small business topics, and information about regional SBA offices. One can also subscribe to a variety of e-newsletters and find out about local small business events.

The SBA website is easy to use, contains free information, and provides added value via links to other solid resources and support. It would be valuable for anyone considering starting their own business as well as more seasoned business owners, and serves as an excellent starting point for researchers who need information and data about small business topics.—Penny Scott, Reference Librarian and Business Liaison, University of San Francisco

RUSA Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) Education Committee contributing members: Paul Brothers, Chair and Editor; Kelly Evans; Penny Scott; and Garrett Trott.

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