Self-help information through various links, documents, publications, etc. Check the Community Directory Channel for more resources.
There are 16 resources
Advertising - FTC Web Site on Consumer Rights and Business Obligations
(Separate Website)
This web site contains over 100 documents covering consumer rights in connection with product advertising, ways for businesses to stay in compliance with the requirements of the law, and guides and policy statements of the Federal Trade Commission on advertising. The documents may be read and printed from the screen or printed in PDF format.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Business Plan Basics
(Separate Website)
A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your firm's resume. The basic components include a current and pro forma balance sheet, an income statement, and a cash flow analysis. It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make good business decisions. Because it provides specific and organized information about your company and how you will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of any loan application. Additionally, it informs sales personnel, suppliers, and others about your operations and goals.
By: U.S. Small Business Administration
Buying and Using Software
(Separate Website)
Software is a bunch of magnetic "ones and zeros," or electronic signals, that takes your thousands of dollars worth of plastic, metal and glass?your personal computer, or hardware?and animates it into something that lets you "fly" an airplane, balance your checkbook or manage your small business. Most personal computers sold today come with a "bundle" of software pre-loaded onto the computer, including basic financial, word processing, communications and entertainment software.
By: American Bar Association
Buying Franchises and Business Opportunities (How to Protect Yourself)
(Separate Website)
This web site contains information for people planning to start up their own businesses, or purchase a franchise in another business. The web site includes information about scams to sell businesses, marketing scams, rights to trade names, and other consumer issues.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Computer Security
(Separate Website)
If you listen to the news, you've probably heard about hackers and viruses. But unless your computer has been targeted by one, you may not know how they could affect you. If your computer is attacked by a hacker or virus, you could lose important personal information or software stored on your hard drive. You also could lose valuable time while you try to repair the damage. Without your knowledge, your computer could even be used to attack other computers, including those that protect our national security.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Establishing a Nonprofit Organization
(Separate Website)
The Learning Lab of the Foundation Center has introduced a free online tutorial on "Establishing a Nonprofit Organization." Learn all about board development, bylaws, tax exemption, staff recruitment, and fundraising for newly established nonprofit organizations. With links to online toolkits and important, basic tax forms, this could be a place to start if you are in the process of creating a local nonprofit organization. You'll learn how to select individuals to serve on your board of directors and you'll find convenient links to the federal government forms that you'll need to establish your organization as a nonprofit. You'll also find out how to set up appropriate bylaws for running your organization as well as gain access to valuable tips for recruiting and managing staff and developing your fundraising program.
By: The Foundation Center
If You Are Self-Employed
(Separate Website)
Most people who pay into Social Security work for an employer. Their employer deducts Social Security taxes from their paycheck, matches that contribution and sends taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and reports wages to Social Security. But self-employed people must report their earnings and pay their taxes directly to IRS.
By: Social Security Administration
Incorporating a Business
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: A corporation is a distinct legal entity created by certain specific procedures of South Carolina Law, including registering the corporation in the office of the Secretary of State. Because it is a distinct entity, a corporation is treated differently from other types of business.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Nonprofit Management On-Line Resources and Tools
(Separate Website)
The Enterprise Foundation provides a free, online self-assessment document. The Self Assessment Tool for Nonprofit Organizations provides a framework for you to evaluate your organization's performance in the key management areas.
Use the Enterprise Resource Database? (ERD), a comprehensive set of tools and resources, for articles that cover various aspects of nonprofit management, and sample documents that can assist your organization in developing and implementing policies, procedures and internal systems to strengthen your organization.
Find private funding sources
Search the Enterprise MoneyNet? database for private funding sources for your programs and for help in implementing a fundraising strategy for your organization.
By: The Enterprise Foundation
Professional and Occupational Licensing Boards - List of Boards
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
Reporting Requirements Fact Sheet
(Separate Website)
Who has a duty to report undocumented immigrants? PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
Setting Up an Unincorporated Business
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: The simplest form of a business is a sole proprietorship. In a sole proprietorship, you dedicate a portion of your money to business use, but do not form a new legal entity. You simply use your money and run your business. No written document is necessary to form a sole proprietorship, but a tax identification number, certain city or county business licenses, and types of insurance, such as worker's compensation insurance, may be required.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Starting a Business
(Separate Website)
Starting a business can be an exciting venture offering many rewards. However, you must be prepared and you must understand the basics.
By: U.S. Small Business Administration
Tax Information for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed
(Separate Website)
This section offers a broad range of resources across federal and state agencies, as well as industry/profession specific information for self-employed entrepreneurs, employers and businesses. The "Quick Links" section will provide you with fast access to general business topics.
You may also order the Small Business/Self Employed Tax Calendar, Introduction to Federal Taxes CD-ROM, Virtual Small Business Workshop CD-ROM, and the Small Business Resource Guide CD-ROM online.
By: Internal Revenue Service
The Facts about the Microloan Program for Entrepreneurs
(Separate Website)
The Microloan Program combines the resources and experience of the U.S. Small Business Administration with those of locally based nonprofit organizations to provide small loans and technical assistance to small businesses. Under the Microloan Program, the SBA makes funds available to qualified nonprofit organizations, which act as intermediary lenders. The intermediaries use these funds to make loans of up to $35,000 to new and existing small businesses. The intermediaries also provide management and technical assistance to help ensure success.
By: U.S. Small Business Administration
The Law and Your Business
(Separate Website)
Business law is a huge subject. This section provides guidance for people thinking about starting a business. This web site includes information on: (1) Securing Capital, (2) State-Local Laws That Affect New Businesses, (3)
Home-Based Businesses, and (4) Tax Law for Businesses.
By: American Bar Association
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
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(Separate Website)
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