Government Agencies

Some of the best information can come from government sources. Some of the best of these are listed below.

Government Agencies

Business.gov

Business.gov is a collaborative effort managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration developed to provide better customer service for small businesses interacting with over 40 different federal agencies.

Small Business Administration

The SBA maintains and strengthens the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses.

Small Business Innovation Research Program

SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

National Federation of Independent Business

NFIB is the largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. NFIB's purpose is to impact public policy at the state and federal level and be a key business resource for small and independent business in America.

Securities & Exchange Commission's Database of Filings and Forms

EDGAR, the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system, performs automated collection, validation, indexing, acceptance, and forwarding of submissions by companies and others who are required by law to file forms with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

US Copyright Office

The best place to learn about copyrighting your intellectual property, or searching for copyright information.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

News, information and details on patent and trademark issues in the United States.

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

The site of the U.S. Senate's sub-committee dealing with issues of relevance to the small business and start-up communities.

Legal Issues

Intellectual Property and Technology Forum at Boston College Law School

The "Forum" is a legal publication dedicated to providing readers with rigorous, innovative scholarship, timely reporting, and ongoing discussion from the legal community concerning technology law and intellectual property. The site contains a comprehensive list of links to other IP and law sites.

Nolo Legal Self-Help for Small Businesses Web Site

Legal information geared towards entrepreneurs for starting a business, choosing a business structure, writing a business plan and more.