These sites are jointly recommended and maintained by librarians at Westminster Public Library and Front Range Community College Library.
BUSINESS
Companies & Marketing
General Business Sites
Investment and Finance
Patent and Trade
Small Business
General
Business Sites
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Colorado
Business and Economic Information
http://www.cde.state.co.us/stateinfo/slstpbizbib.htm
Colorado Department of Education website. It includes general and specific resources to assist businesses plus information about economic development in the state.
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Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1162927366334&pagename=OEDIT%2FOEDITLayout
Lists regulatory information needed to establish a Colorado business.
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NAICS
(North American Industry Classification System)
http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is replacing the U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. It includes:
2002 NAICS and 1987 SIC Comparison Tables
http://dor.wa.gov/content/aboutus/statisticsandreports/sic_vs_naics.aspx
These tables allow user to compare numbers between the two systems for specific industries.
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ThomasNet
http://www.thomasnet.com/
This is an online version of the Thomas Register. Search for information about product or service, by company name, or by brand.
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U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission
http://www.sec.gov
Their mission is to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the securities market.
Investment and Finance
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Bankrate.com
http://www.bankrate.com/
Comprehensive consumer and finance site that provides rates on mortgage and car loans, credit cards, banks, and IRA comparison shopping. Also has online mortgage and loan calculators.
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Big Charts
http://bigcharts.marketwatch.com
Investment research site. Good for historical, market, and industry data.
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The Dollar
Stretcher
http://www.stretcher.com/
This website has numerous tips for saving money and living on less.
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Fool.com
http://www.fool.com/
Tips on stock picking.
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Investor
Guide
http://www.investorguide.com
Portal to the investment world.
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Morningstar.com
http://www.morningstar.com/
Provides information on stocks and mutual funds.
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Treasury Direct
http://www.treasurydirect.gov
Government website that provides information about purchasing securities, including U.S. Savings Bonds, Treasury Notes, and more.
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U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office
http://www.uspto.gov
Use this site to search patents and trademarks.
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U.S.
Copyright Office
http://www.copyright.gov/
Legal protection for original works of authorship.
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Business Planning Tools
http://www.bplans.com/contentkit/?affiliate=sba
This SBA site presents two books in online format. 1) an online planning book and 2) an online marketing book. It also provides dozens of sample business plans along with business calculators for start-up costs, cash flow, return on investment, and more.
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Business Plans Handbook
http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/business-plans/
Hundreds of actual business plans written by entrepreneurs seeking financing for their businesses.
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Chambers of Commerce
Colorado
http://www.coloradolinks.net/Colorado_Chamber_of_Commerce.htm
United States
http://www.uschamber.com/chambers/directory/default
Chambers of Commerce are excellent contacts for small business owners to obtain information and also to make business contacts.
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Colorado
Business Resource Guide
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/OEDIT/OEDIT/1154721645662
Joint effort by the State of Colorado, Office of Economic Development, Department of Revenue, IRS, and U.S. Small Business Administration. Provides detailed information about laws, taxes, employer responsibilities, marketing, business plans, liabilities, copyright, and more.
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Colorado
Office of Economic Development and International Trade
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1162927366334&pagename=OEDIT%2FOEDITLayout
This State of Colorado web site explores several government sponsored programs for small businesses, including:
Small Business Development Centers
http://coloradosbdc.com/
Mnority and Women-Owned Business
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/OEDIT/OEDIT/1165009699718
Occupational/Industry Licensing Database
http://www.colorado.gov/oed/industry-license/
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The
Entrepreneur's Reference Guide to Small Business Information
http://www.loc.gov/rr/business/guide/guide2/
Prepared by the Library of Congress. Essentially a huge bibliography of books dealing with all facets of starting and running a small business.
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Federal
Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado. Small business publications
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/results.tpl?id1=21&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=21&--SECTIONSword=ww
This federal consumer web site provides information about publications pertaining to small business issues. Many are available for free online.
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North Metro Small Business Development Center at Front
Range Community College
http://www.frontrange.edu/smallbusiness/
A good resource if you have or are thinking about forming a small business. They offer quality
counseling for start-up businesses and executive coaching for existing businesses. Credit and non-credit classes are also offered.
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Reference for Business
http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/
This includes Encyclopedia of Small Business, Encyclopedia of Business, Business Biographies, Business Plans, Company Histories, and more.
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Small Business
Administration
http://www.sba.gov/
Federal agency whose purpose is to help entrepreneurs form successful small businesses.
- Start a Business in Colorado
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CO-Portal/CXP/1165693060244
State of Colorado site. Provides information about starting a business in Colorado.
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Tax
Information For Business
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/index.html
An IRS web site. Provides information on tax rules and regulations for small and large business.
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U.S. Business
Advisor
http://www.business.gov/
A U.S. government web site that provides small business information pertaining to business development, financial assistance, taxes, laws and regulations, international trade, workplace issues, and buying and selling with the U.S. government.
Return to Recommended Websites Home Page
Please send comments and suggestions to drhodes@cityofwestminster.us
Updated: 5/9/11