The Venture Incubator staff has carefully selected some helpful web sites that you may want to explore. Just be aware that these sites will take you away from the Venture Incubator site. You might want to bookmark our site (www.ventureincubator.org) before you leave so that you can return to browse our growing library of information on how to start and manage your business.
Mississippians Start Here
Mississippi is a very business friendly state. Follow this link to navigate the process of setting up your business structure. Not a Mississippian? The process and the information you find here should help you, too.
Mississippi Business One Stop Shop
Operation Jump Start Resources
These links are helpful to those taking one of our Fast Start classes. Operation Jump Start and LaunchU class participants will find these links helpful during the class.
Fast Start – Life Plan Template (Download)
Fast Start – Life Plan Template -(PDF Download)
OJS – Feasibility Plan Template (Download)
OJS – Fine Arts Cash Flow Report (Download)
OJS – Blank Cash Flow – Income Statement (Download)
OJS – Sales Forecast Worksheet (Download)
OJS – Sample Cost Sheet (Download)
OJS – Service Business Planning Worksheet (Download)
Personal Financial Statement (Download)
Business Startup Information
www.entrepreneur.com – Website for Entrepreneur Magazine with lots of information for startups
https://www.startupnation.com – Practical help to build your business and live your dream
https://www.investopedia.com/dictionary/ – Dictionary of Business Terms and Information
http://www.businessknowhow.com – A collection of many articles with very practical small business advice
http://www.allbusiness.com – Lots of business news and helpful articles
http://www.nfib.com – National Federation of Independent Businesses. Lots of information under the “Business Resources” tab
http://www.nawbo.org – National Association of Women Business Owners. Though much of the site is geared to women business owners, there is information for all business owners
bizstats.com – Free financial ratios and statistics
VI Blog Post – Immigrant’s Guide to Starting a Business
Zen Business-Resources for Women in Business
Research Links
There is a wealth of information available on the internet. In fact, the amount of information can be overwhelming. Our staff has screened these sites for you. Educate yourself about your industry, your customers and your competition. The CLARITAS link, for example, will be helpful as you zero in on just the right customers for your business.
Labor Statistics for Mississippi
Magnolia – Mississippi Online Research Databases
Mississippi Government Agencies
Mississippi Chamber of Commerce Directory
Mississippi Secretary of State Web Site
Mississippi State University Research Library
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
Federal Resources
usda.gov – US Department of Agriculture. Assistance includes loan guarantees
sba.gov – Website for the US Small Business Administration, a provider of bank loan guarantees.
census.gov – Website for the US Census Bureau. This is the source for government information on demographics, income, housing, and many other topics
irs.gov – Internal Revenue Service. Get your EIN here. Lots of information on federal taxes
Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook – Excellent resource for planning realistic labor rates
US Census – Business Help Center
US Census – State and County Quick Facts
US Census Bureau – Data Access Sites
US Census Bureau – Data Mapper
US Census Bureau – American Fact Finder
US Patent and Trademark Office
Suggested Resources
Follow these links to learn more about resources offered on other sites. Open the door to a wealth of helpful information. Looking for a mentor? Find the perfect mentor at score.org.
SCORE – Free Business Mentoring
SCORE-Personal Financial Statement Template
SCORE-Financial Projections Template
Summary of “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber
How to Write a Business Plan – A Tutorial
How to Write a Business Plan – Interactive Template
Northeastern University Guide to Writing a Business Plan
National Business Incubation Association
Small Business Administration – Main Site