Other Government Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the modern entrepreneur’s touchstone – but the federal government provides a wealth of additional resources as well. Here are some of the most useful.

USA.gov
The U.S. government's own portal, this site is a great starting point when you’re hunting for any type of federal information.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Take a look at the labor market or the economy as a whole at this U.S. Labor Department's site. The BLS also provides regional links for more specific data.

U.S. Census Bureau
Consider this site a treasure chest of demographic and statistical information on the nation.

U.S. DOL Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Assists small and disadvantaged businesses in procurement opportunities. Also provides a Small Business Resource Center with information on rules and regulations.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Find out whether you're the first with that better mousetrap. The USPTO is a cutting-edge government mechanism protecting new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
This site lets you search EDGAR, the database of filings made by publicly held corporations. The service is free of charge.

FedStats
This site is a valuable gateway to any and all statistics produced by federal agencies. Statistics are searchable by topic and state. Press releases and online databases also can be accessed.

Get The Facts Series: Small Business Information
EEOC now has information specifically addressed to small businesses. The goal is to provide information on how to avoid workplace discrimination disputes.

GSA Office of Small Business Utilization
The Office of Small Business Utilization, a division of the U.S. General Services Administration, connects small businesses with people and resources to help them grow.

IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
The Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center provides access to all of the information you need to be in compliance with tax laws for small businesses, including downloadable forms and publications, IRS local offices contact information, online educational tools, and an A-Z index of tax topics for businesses.

NTIS
The National Technical Information Service is the largest central resource for government-funded scientific, technical, engineering and business-related information. NTIS provides businesses, universities and the public timely access to approximately 3 million publications covering more than 350 subject areas.

Social Security Online
This portal for businesses with employees lets you register your business, verify employee names and social security numbers, and file W-2 employment forms online.

Small Business and the SEC
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission answers common questions in a guide for small businesses targeting how to raise capital and comply with SEC rules.

Travel.State.gov
Provides information on U.S. Department of State travel warnings, consular information, passports, visa information and foreign publications.

USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
A U.S. Department of Agriculture site with information on funding programs for developing small businesses in rural areas.

U.S. Postal Service
Download business forms, find zip codes, track a package, print mailing labels, and buy postage and supplies. A special Business section provides information on direct mail, advertising with mail and much more.

U.S. House Small Business Committee
A comprehensive site with information on upcoming legislation and hearings, press releases, a newsletter, special projects and even online events. A good way to keep informed of what is brewing in Washington for small businesses.

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
The U.S. Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee's homepage helps you keep track of pending legislation and provides a medium to let the government know what you think. The site includes publications, roster information, news, legislation and hearing schedules.