According to the Small Business Administration, over a recent 15-year period, small businesses created some 65 percent of the net new jobs in the private sector. As part of National Small Business Week, BBB reminds small business owners about free resources available online from BBB and several federal agencies to help them stay strong in a tough economy.

BBB Data Security – Made Simpler

BBB partnered with data security experts Symantec Corporation, Visa Inc., Kroll’s Fraud Solutions and NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association to produce free, easy-to-understand data security guidelines, with checklists and links to data security resources that make sense for small businesses. BBB’s Data Security – Made Simpler arms small business owners with the information they need to protect their customers and their business.

BBB Tips on Direct Selling

BBB and the Direct Selling Education Foundation created a series of articles, videos and Public Service Announcements to educate direct sellers, their customers and even those considering a career path in direct selling.

Business.gov

Business.gov is the U.S. Government's official website for small businesses. It provides small business owners with information and resources to comply with laws and regulations, and to take advantage of government programs and services to help them start, expand and run their businesses.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC offers free resources on best practices, many of which you can order in bulk for your employees at no charge. Written with a minimum of legalese, the FTC offers online tutorials, videos and more than 100 to-the-point publications created with small business owners in mind.

US Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Training Network

A virtual campus with free training courses, workshops and knowledge resources designed to assist entrepreneurs and other students of enterprise. The Training Network makes SBA's business management resources available 24/7.

SCORE

SCORE is a unique federal government resource that utilizes volunteers with expertise to advise small businesses, lead business seminars and coach entrepreneurs online. A resource partner of the SBA for more than 40 years, SCORE has helped more than 7 million businesses succeed and stay active in the local and national small business marketplace.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

SBDCs provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners by providing a variety of information and guidance in central and accessible branch locations. The program is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments.

The National Women's Business Council (NWBC)

The NWBC is a bi-partisan federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress and the SBA on economic issues of importance to women business owners. The council's mission is to promote bold initiatives, policies and programs designed to support woman business enterprises at all stages of development in the public and private sector.

U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs)

USEACs provide export information and development assistance to help small businesses take advantage of export markets, including trade counseling, training, legal assistance and publications.

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