Business and Financial Resources
Whether you're looking for money to start a small business, trying to get a grant, looking for unclaimed assets, or just doing your taxes, you'll find help here.
Government Resources for Women-owned Businesses
The number of women owned businesses in the U.S. has been increasing rapidly over the last 20 years. Here you will find information on US government programs that help women entrepreneurs start, grow and expand their businesses.
The number of women owned businesses in the U.S. has been increasing rapidly over the last 20 years. Here you will find information on US government programs that help women entrepreneurs start, grow and expand their businesses.
Government Contracting Training
Jumping into government contracting without some training rarely pays off. Here you’ll find free and low-cost training resources to help small businesses bid on federal government contracts.
Jumping into government contracting without some training rarely pays off. Here you’ll find free and low-cost training resources to help small businesses bid on federal government contracts.
How to Register as a Government Contractor
Before you can bid on or be awarded government contracts, you or your business must be registered as government contractor.
Before you can bid on or be awarded government contracts, you or your business must be registered as government contractor.
Finding Government Contracting Opportunities
Once you are trained, registered and certified as a government contractor, you can start looking for opportunities to do business with the federal government.
Once you are trained, registered and certified as a government contractor, you can start looking for opportunities to do business with the federal government.
Government Contracting Employment Laws
Employment and labor regulations that apply to existing federal contractors.
Employment and labor regulations that apply to existing federal contractors.
Government Contracting - Government Acquisition Regulations
Federal Acquisition Regulations the FAR, the rules, regulations and standards that govern the federal government’s purchasing and contracting process.
Federal Acquisition Regulations the FAR, the rules, regulations and standards that govern the federal government’s purchasing and contracting process.
Government Contracting – Green Purchasing
Learn about opportunities to sell environmentally sound, green products and services to the federal government.
Learn about opportunities to sell environmentally sound, green products and services to the federal government.
Federal Government Contracting
Government Contracting – Resources for Government Contracting
Government Contracting – Resources for Government Contracting
Does Your Small Business Need a Federal Business License?
If your business or proposed business is involved in activities that are supervised and regulated by a federal agency, you may need a federal business license or permit.
If your business or proposed business is involved in activities that are supervised and regulated by a federal agency, you may need a federal business license or permit.
The SBA Small Business Microloan Program
For small businesses needing small loans, the popular SBA Microloan program offers loans of up to $35,000 at interest rates averaging from 8- to 13-percent.
For small businesses needing small loans, the popular SBA Microloan program offers loans of up to $35,000 at interest rates averaging from 8- to 13-percent.
Out of Work, but Not Unemployed?
If you’re out of work, you’re unemployed, right? You should be counted among the 14.9 million Americans reported to be unemployed in August by the Department of Labor, right? Well, maybe not, according to how the Labor Department really defines “unemployed.”
If you’re out of work, you’re unemployed, right? You should be counted among the 14.9 million Americans reported to be unemployed in August by the Department of Labor, right? Well, maybe not, according to how the Labor Department really defines “unemployed.”
US Government Ready to Hire Over 270,000 Workers
The U.S. federal government will need to hire more than 270,000 employees for “mission-critical” jobs by the end of September 2012, according to a newly released government-wide survey.
The U.S. federal government will need to hire more than 270,000 employees for “mission-critical” jobs by the end of September 2012, according to a newly released government-wide survey.
Cash for Appliances Rebate Program
The federal cash for appliances program will offer rebates on purchases of a wide array of home appliances certified as energy-efficient by the EPA’s Energy Star program.
The federal cash for appliances program will offer rebates on purchases of a wide array of home appliances certified as energy-efficient by the EPA’s Energy Star program.
The Pain and Passion of Starting a Small Business
Especially in this economy, why would anybody try to start their own small business? According to this Northern California family who did just that, it’s a matter of “Pain and Passion.”
Especially in this economy, why would anybody try to start their own small business? According to this Northern California family who did just that, it’s a matter of “Pain and Passion.”
Advice and Observations from a Small Business Owner
The owners of a California small business offer hard-learned, first-hand advice on financing, starting and running a small business.
The owners of a California small business offer hard-learned, first-hand advice on financing, starting and running a small business.
State Small Business Grants and Funding Hot Prospects
An updated list of some of the top state business incentives, including grants, subsidized rates on SBA loans, tax breaks and participation in business “incubator” programs.
An updated list of some of the top state business incentives, including grants, subsidized rates on SBA loans, tax breaks and participation in business “incubator” programs.
Cap and Trade -- Centerpiece of the 2009 Climate-change and Energy Bill
Cap and trade is the mechanism included in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 to enable the U.S. to meet the bill’s required 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. How would cap and trade work and how much could it cost you?
Cap and trade is the mechanism included in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 to enable the U.S. to meet the bill’s required 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. How would cap and trade work and how much could it cost you?
Find and Claim Unclaimed Money
Information for finding and recovering unclaimed property held by state governments.
Information for finding and recovering unclaimed property held by state governments.
Federal Government Grants: No Free Lunch
Federal government grants are not a free lunch. Learn the truth about federal government grants.
Federal government grants are not a free lunch. Learn the truth about federal government grants.
State Unclaimed Property Search and Recovery Resources
State resources for finding and recovering unclaimed money and other property.
State resources for finding and recovering unclaimed money and other property.
Reader Tips and Experiences with SBA Small Business Loans
SBA loan experiences and tips from readers
SBA loan experiences and tips from readers
Reader Experiences and Advice on Running a Small Business
Reader tips, advice and experiences in owning a small business
Reader tips, advice and experiences in owning a small business
Foreclosure Scams: What to Watch For
Foreclosure scams based on promises to “rescue” distressed homeowners from unmanageable debt and foreclosure are spreading and the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) has offered sound advice on how to recognize and avoid foreclosure scams.
Foreclosure scams based on promises to “rescue” distressed homeowners from unmanageable debt and foreclosure are spreading and the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) has offered sound advice on how to recognize and avoid foreclosure scams.
Federal Student Aid Primer
Federal Student Aid Basics: Sources of Funding and How to Apply
Federal Student Aid Basics: Sources of Funding and How to Apply
“Ponzi” Schemes
Description and history of "Ponzi" illegal investment schemes.
Description and history of "Ponzi" illegal investment schemes.
The Economic Stimulus Bill -- How it Could Affect You
How the 2009 economic stimulus bill -- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- could affect American families and individuals.
How the 2009 economic stimulus bill -- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- could affect American families and individuals.
Economic Stimulus -- Advancing Science and Technology
Scientific and technological advancements funded by the 2009 economic stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Scientific and technological advancements funded by the 2009 economic stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Economic Stimulus – Improving Education
Provisions for improving education, preventing teacher layoffs and making college more affordable in the 2009 economic stimulus bill -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Provisions for improving education, preventing teacher layoffs and making college more affordable in the 2009 economic stimulus bill -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Economic Stimulus – Insuring Unemployed Workers
Provisions for reducing health care costs in the 2009 economic stimulus bill -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Provisions for reducing health care costs in the 2009 economic stimulus bill -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Economic Stimulus – Fixing the US Infrastructure
Provisions for fixing the US infrastructure and creating jobs in the 2009 economic stimulus bill -- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Provisions for fixing the US infrastructure and creating jobs in the 2009 economic stimulus bill -- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Economic Stimulus – For Workers Hurt by the Recession
Help for U.S. workers laid off or impacted by the recession provided by the 2009 economic stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Help for U.S. workers laid off or impacted by the recession provided by the 2009 economic stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Economic Stimulus – For Seniors, Disabled Veterans, SSI Recipients
Help provided for SSI recipients, seniors and disabled veterans by the 2009 economic stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Help provided for SSI recipients, seniors and disabled veterans by the 2009 economic stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Economic Stimulus – Tax Cuts
Tax cuts provided for families, individuals and businesses by the 2009 economic stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Tax cuts provided for families, individuals and businesses by the 2009 economic stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Money for a Small Business
The U.S. government does not currently provide grants for starting or expanding a small business. However, the government does offer plenty of free help in planning how to start or improve your business and in securing low-interest SBA-backed small business loans. In addition, many states DO offer small business grants to individuals.
The U.S. government does not currently provide grants for starting or expanding a small business. However, the government does offer plenty of free help in planning how to start or improve your business and in securing low-interest SBA-backed small business loans. In addition, many states DO offer small business grants to individuals.
Stopped Driving? It Could Cost You
By the summer of 2008, gas prices had gone sky high, so you parked your car in the garage and soon discovered you were saving some serious money. Well, don't spend your savings too soon. In the long run, you may have to pay it back, and then some.
By the summer of 2008, gas prices had gone sky high, so you parked your car in the garage and soon discovered you were saving some serious money. Well, don't spend your savings too soon. In the long run, you may have to pay it back, and then some.
FHA Acts to Rescue Defaulted Subprime Borrowers
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced new lending policies designed to help up to 240,000 holders of subprime home loans avoid foreclosure.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced new lending policies designed to help up to 240,000 holders of subprime home loans avoid foreclosure.
About Federal Grants, Assistance and Benefits
At any time, the U.S. government offers over 1,400 programs offering discretionary assistance or benefits. Most people call these grants, but "grants" is far too general a term. Under the general category of "domestic assistance," are 15 types of assistance available including surplus equipment, training, guaranteed loans, and even some grants.
At any time, the U.S. government offers over 1,400 programs offering discretionary assistance or benefits. Most people call these grants, but "grants" is far too general a term. Under the general category of "domestic assistance," are 15 types of assistance available including surplus equipment, training, guaranteed loans, and even some grants.
The Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission plays an important role in keeping American businesses honest and protecting consumers.
The Federal Trade Commission plays an important role in keeping American businesses honest and protecting consumers.
$133 in Unclaimed Pensions Waiting to be Claimed
On April 3, 2007, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) reported that it is holding $133 million in unclaimed pension benefits for 32,000 people owed money from terminated defined benefit pension plans. PBGC also offers a convenient way to find out if you have some pension benefits due you. Here's how.
On April 3, 2007, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) reported that it is holding $133 million in unclaimed pension benefits for 32,000 people owed money from terminated defined benefit pension plans. PBGC also offers a convenient way to find out if you have some pension benefits due you. Here's how.
The Expanding American Homeownership Act
In hopes of helping millions more low- and moderate-income American families become homeowners, U.S. Sen. Jim Talent (R-Missouri) has introduced the Expanding American Homeownership Act. If approved, the Act would implement sweeping modernizations of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) designed to make it a more attractive alternative in today's home financing market.
In hopes of helping millions more low- and moderate-income American families become homeowners, U.S. Sen. Jim Talent (R-Missouri) has introduced the Expanding American Homeownership Act. If approved, the Act would implement sweeping modernizations of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) designed to make it a more attractive alternative in today's home financing market.
Your Tax Dollars at Work, or Not? How to Find Out
Rather than simply paying our money and taking our chances, U.S. taxpayers now have a simple way of finding out which federal programs are working, which are not.
Rather than simply paying our money and taking our chances, U.S. taxpayers now have a simple way of finding out which federal programs are working, which are not.
SBA-backed Loans Set Record Pace in Q1 2005
American small businesses set a record pace of borrowing to start and expand their companies over the first three months of the current fiscal year, securing backing from the U.S. Small Business Administration on 23 percent more loans than in the same period a year ago.
American small businesses set a record pace of borrowing to start and expand their companies over the first three months of the current fiscal year, securing backing from the U.S. Small Business Administration on 23 percent more loans than in the same period a year ago.
About U.S. Aid to Asian Tsunami Victims
U.S. aid to victims of the Asian tsunami disaster now totals $35 million. Where do the funds come from, why does the United States contribute relief to disaster victims around the world and how can you help the tsunami victims?
U.S. aid to victims of the Asian tsunami disaster now totals $35 million. Where do the funds come from, why does the United States contribute relief to disaster victims around the world and how can you help the tsunami victims?
How to Comment on SBA Size Regulation Changes
The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking comments from the general public on key issues relating to its current small business size standards, the rules used by the SBA and other federal agencies to determine whether a business is "small" enough to qualify for SBA loans.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking comments from the general public on key issues relating to its current small business size standards, the rules used by the SBA and other federal agencies to determine whether a business is "small" enough to qualify for SBA loans.
SBA Loan Programs Get $21 Billion Boost
New legislation signed by President Bush will make more than $21 billion available to small businesses through the SBA's two main small business loan programs.
New legislation signed by President Bush will make more than $21 billion available to small businesses through the SBA's two main small business loan programs.
Missing a Tax Refund? Find It Online
Nearly 90,000 Americans are missing out on $73 million in federal income tax refunds they're legally owed, but an online database from the non-profit National Taxpayers Union (NTU) that is quicker and much easier to use than the IRS online version can help people find out if there is money waiting for them.
Nearly 90,000 Americans are missing out on $73 million in federal income tax refunds they're legally owed, but an online database from the non-profit National Taxpayers Union (NTU) that is quicker and much easier to use than the IRS online version can help people find out if there is money waiting for them.
Demand for SBA Small Business Loans Soaring
Does anybody really get those SBA small business loans? As a matter of fact, the SBA approved about $50 million-a-day in 7(a) program loans during just the first 21 days of fiscal year 2005. During 2004, the SBA disbursed a record 74,825 loans for $12.5 billion in the 7(a) program.
Does anybody really get those SBA small business loans? As a matter of fact, the SBA approved about $50 million-a-day in 7(a) program loans during just the first 21 days of fiscal year 2005. During 2004, the SBA disbursed a record 74,825 loans for $12.5 billion in the 7(a) program.
Two Thirds Feel American Dream Harder to Achieve
Two-thirds of the American people say the American Dream is becoming harder to achieve, especially for young families, and they point to financial insecurity and poor quality public education as the most significant barriers, according to a new survey released today by the National League of Cities (NLC).
Two-thirds of the American people say the American Dream is becoming harder to achieve, especially for young families, and they point to financial insecurity and poor quality public education as the most significant barriers, according to a new survey released today by the National League of Cities (NLC).
SBA Offers Online 8(a) Program Application
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has unveiled a new electronic online application that will make it easier, faster and less expensive for small companies to apply for 8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged Business certification directly from SBA's Web site.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has unveiled a new electronic online application that will make it easier, faster and less expensive for small companies to apply for 8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged Business certification directly from SBA's Web site.
Don't Let Presidential Winner Rule Your Portfolio
Investors should not let their investment decisions be “overly swayed” by who wins, or who they think will win, the White House this November, says a columnist in the August 2004 issue of the Journal of Financial Planning, published monthly by the Financial Planning Association (FPA®).
Investors should not let their investment decisions be “overly swayed” by who wins, or who they think will win, the White House this November, says a columnist in the August 2004 issue of the Journal of Financial Planning, published monthly by the Financial Planning Association (FPA®).
Get An Executive Overview of the U.S. Economy
Did you ever wish you could get a quick, concise overview of the current status of the U.S. economy? If so, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has a Website you just have to see.
Did you ever wish you could get a quick, concise overview of the current status of the U.S. economy? If so, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has a Website you just have to see.
Do You Need a Federal Tax ID Number?
The government form you're feverishly filling out has a blank demanding your business's "Federal Tax ID Number" or "Employer Identification Number (EIN)." Unfortunately, you don't have one. What is a federal tax ID number, does your business even need one, and how do you get it?
The government form you're feverishly filling out has a blank demanding your business's "Federal Tax ID Number" or "Employer Identification Number (EIN)." Unfortunately, you don't have one. What is a federal tax ID number, does your business even need one, and how do you get it?
Money for Small Business
No direct grants to individuals for starting a small business are currently available, but the SBA offers several low interest, flexible loans which are funded by government grants.
No direct grants to individuals for starting a small business are currently available, but the SBA offers several low interest, flexible loans which are funded by government grants.
Small Business Grants from the States
Unlike the federal government, the states do offer almost 200 direct grant programs for starting or growing a small business. Here you will find links to the business development resources of all 50 states.
Unlike the federal government, the states do offer almost 200 direct grant programs for starting or growing a small business. Here you will find links to the business development resources of all 50 states.
Sample Small Business Plan
There may only be one sure-thing in starting your own business, and that is that you will not get a loan without a complete business plan. No plan - no loan - no business. Here is a sample of one that works.
There may only be one sure-thing in starting your own business, and that is that you will not get a loan without a complete business plan. No plan - no loan - no business. Here is a sample of one that works.
Small Banks Could be 'Regulated' Out of Existence
Complex new laws and regulations could spell the end of small community banks, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Vice Chairman John M. Reich stated in testimony before the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
Complex new laws and regulations could spell the end of small community banks, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Vice Chairman John M. Reich stated in testimony before the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
Bill Would Boost Minimum Wage to $7.00
The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2004, if passed by Congress, would boost the U.S. minimum wage from $5.15 to $7 over three years and would be the first raise in the minimum wage in seven years.
The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2004, if passed by Congress, would boost the U.S. minimum wage from $5.15 to $7 over three years and would be the first raise in the minimum wage in seven years.
Buy a HUD Home and Save
Every month, over a half-million Internet users hit the "Homes for Sale" page of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where they find a daily-updated selection of thousands of highly affordable homes and apartments offered by HUD plus nine other government agencies.
Every month, over a half-million Internet users hit the "Homes for Sale" page of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where they find a daily-updated selection of thousands of highly affordable homes and apartments offered by HUD plus nine other government agencies.
How HUD Can Help You Buy a 'Fixer-Upper' Home
You want to buy a house that needs repairs -- a "fixer-upper." Unfortunately, you cannot borrow the money to buy the house, because the bank won't make the loan until the repairs are done, and the repairs cannot be done until the house has been purchased. Don't give up. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a loan program that might just get you that house.
You want to buy a house that needs repairs -- a "fixer-upper." Unfortunately, you cannot borrow the money to buy the house, because the bank won't make the loan until the repairs are done, and the repairs cannot be done until the house has been purchased. Don't give up. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a loan program that might just get you that house.
Low, Mid Income Students Should Get More Education Aid
An overwhelming majority of Americans believe first priority in federal higher education aid increases should be given to low and middle-income students striving for college, rather than to college graduates who have already received an education, according to survey results released by the U.S. House Committee on Education & the Workforce.
An overwhelming majority of Americans believe first priority in federal higher education aid increases should be given to low and middle-income students striving for college, rather than to college graduates who have already received an education, according to survey results released by the U.S. House Committee on Education & the Workforce.
Federal Student Aid Primer
You want to go to college so you can make a lot of money but you don't have a lot of money, so you can't go to college. Congratulations! You have just met the main requirements for getting federal student aid.
You want to go to college so you can make a lot of money but you don't have a lot of money, so you can't go to college. Congratulations! You have just met the main requirements for getting federal student aid.
About the EEOC's Retiree Health Benefit Rule
U.S. employers could reduce or eliminate health benefits for their retired employees who qualify for Medicare under a new federal rule proposed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Here are the background and facts surrounding this controversial action that could affect the health benefits of millions of American retirees.
U.S. employers could reduce or eliminate health benefits for their retired employees who qualify for Medicare under a new federal rule proposed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Here are the background and facts surrounding this controversial action that could affect the health benefits of millions of American retirees.