For Subscribers

5 Great Sites for Starting a Business There's plenty of help out there for start-ups--so take advantage.

By Amy Rauch Neilson

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Want your business to succeed? Then you've got to pave theway to success, step by step. Not sure where to start? Here's alist of resources that will help you take the first steps towardsuccessful planning and management decisions that will last thelifetime of your business:

  • Center for Business Planning: Go here for alibrary of resources and links to hundreds of sites offeringinformation on business planning. You can read award-winningbusiness plans, evaluate your marketing plan and sign up for a freebusiness strategy analysis.
    ClickHere
    BizStartUps.com is another great place fortons of start-up information.
  • ChamberBiz: Visit this network of state and localchambers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for a list of resourcesand numerous tools to help you start, manage and expand your smallbusiness.
  • SCORE(Service Corps of Retired Executives): SCORE is anorganization made up of volunteers who have been there, done that.You can request to work one-on-one with a mentor in your area, orsimply go online and submit a question via e-mail.
  • The Small Business Administration (SBA):Download and guide yourself through a self-paced business plan,including separate sections for marketing, finances and management.You'll also find tips for your start-up and help withbudgets.
  • U.S.Online Business Advisor: This site offers one-stop accessto information on federal laws and regulations, taxes and workplaceissues.
Plan Your Future
You might know you want to be anentrepreneur, but you don't necessarily have it all figured outwhen it comes to planning for college and selecting a path toentrepreneurship. Good news: Streaming Futures has just launched afree online program to help teens with career planning and collegepreparation through live, interactive interviews with careerprofessionals.

Each month, host Joel Holland, founder of Streaming Futures,will interview a professional from a different career--everythingfrom technology to politics--and webcast the interview live overthe Internet. Teens will have the opportunity to interact with theinterviewee and ask questions, and all interviews will be archivedon the Streaming Futures site for those who wish to access pastinterviews.

The interviews are scheduled to begin this month. For moredetails, visit the Streaming Futures Web site.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

These Are the College Majors With the Lowest Unemployment Rates — and Philosophy Ranks Higher Than Computer Science

An analysis of employment data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that some humanities majors rank higher than STEM majors in employment prospects.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Social Media

Top 20 Social-Media Tools to Add to Your Arsenal in 2016

From generating leads to protecting your reputation, these 20 social-media tools are just a few of hundreds now available to enhance your social-media presence and investment.

Science & Technology

How I Scaled from Side Hustle to 7 Figures Using 4 AI Tools (No Tech Skills Needed)

Scale faster, work less and grow a 7-figure business — no team needed.

Devices

Outfit Your Team with Android Tablets for Just $75 Each

Android 13, dual cameras, and 128GB of storage in one sleek device.

Money & Finance

Turn Simple Ideas Into Never-Ending Paychecks With This Low-Effort Passive Income Strategy

A micro-hustle lets you build once, sell forever and earn money while you sleep.