---Small Business Resources

Publications Connect to sixteen different online publications, such as "Success Magazine," "Minority Business Entrepreneur," "Fortune Small Business" and "Home Business Journal." General Resources Locate some of the best resources on the web for learning more about entrepreneurship and small business, including the Small Business Administration, the 4000+ small business references in the Edward Lowe Digital Library and the 30 online lessons of the "Small Business Course." Preparing a Business Plan Get advice on how to prepare a business plan, review completed small business plans for a variety of companies or use a business plan template to complete your own plan. Raising Money Use this section to learn how to finance your business, including how to communicate your business idea to investors, obtain bank loans, or raise money from other sources such as equipment leasing and inventory financing. Forming the Company Find out how to legally start up a company and the trade-offs among the three basic alternatives: sole proprietorships, partnerships or corporations. If you select a corporation, determine which type would be best ("S" corporation, "C" corporation or limited liability corporation). Franchises Choose from a list of practical franchising Web locations, including a checklist for buying a franchise, general insights into the opportunities and challenges of franchise ownership and links to over 100 current franchise opportunities.

---Company Profiles

See entrepreneurship in action at two companies: ID Software developer of "3D Shooter" computer games Espresso Armando commercial espresso machine manufacturer

---Exercises

Are You An Entrepreneur? Learn about your orientation to starting your own business, including franchises, by completing one or more questionnaires. Start A Home Business Your challenge is to come up with a profitable business you can operate at home. You'll review a variety of home business ideas to help come up with your own venture. Pick a Franchise! Select from a list of franchises and visit their Web sites to determine which one you think offers the most profitable business opportunity.

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