Books & Audio-Visual
- AlleyCat
- Use AlleyCat, the CCAC online catalog, to find materials at any of the CCAC libraries
Reference & Overview Sources
| Full Text? | Database Name | Vendor | Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| yes | Credo Reference - Business | Credo | info |
Magazine & Journal Articles
| Full Text? | Database Name | Vendor | Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| yes | Academic Search Premier | EBSCOhost | info |
| yes | MasterFILE Premier | EBSCOhost | info |
| yes | Business Source Premier | EBSCOhost | info |
| yes | Regional Business News | EBSCOhost | info |
General Web Sites
- SBA: Small Business Administration Home Page
- This is an extensive, searchable site. On the main page are a number of links to information relating to starting and running a business. "Headline News" archives SBA news releases back several years. An "Online Library" contains articles, downloadable forms, statistics, free software, and more. Links are provided to access information on frequently asked questions and business problems. There are also links to special programs and initiatives related to small business including the Online Women's Business Center.
- Bioentrepreneur
- This searchable site is dedicated to scientists who are interested in commercializing their research. There is information and advice for building a business, and many resources from the Nature Publishing Group are available through free registration on the site.
- Business.gov: The Business Gateway to Federal Resources
- This site guides you through laws, rules and regulations, and provides access to services and resources to help you to start, grow, and succeed in business. Find information, small business development centers, and mentors in your area, also.
- International Franchise Association
- IFA is a membership organization for franchisors, franchisees and suppliers. However, this site provides many links to useful, free information about franchises, including articles and other resources, such as searching for a franchise by category and cost.
- SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business
- SCORE provides entrepreneurs with free confidential face-to-face and online business counseling. Counseling and workshops are offered at any chapter offices nationwide by experienced business volunteers, including the Pittsburgh chapter.
- Sample Business Plans
- Created and maintained by Palo Alto Software, this site offers sample business plans, marketing, and web site plans. In addition, this site provides a brief overview on writing plans, information on marketing plans and links to related sites.
Financial Web Sites
- IRS-Small Business/Self-employed
- This site provides information and news about taxes, forms, employer ID numbers and even workshops on small business topics.
Business Magazines & Journals
- Start-up Journal
- This site is the Wall Street Journal Center for Entrepreneurs, providing news and resources such as financing, franchising, e-commerce information.
- Inc.com
- Inc magazine's resource for growing companies, this site includes articles, how-to's, tools and a blog link.
- SBN Online
- This resource covers news of interest to small businesses in markets such as Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh. Information given includes articles from the network's magazine Smart Business, CEO profiles, links to expert advice, and best practices in the market you choose.
- SmallBiz: Small Business Week Online
- This is Business Week's small business site, giving news and advice for entrepreneurs.
Local Resources
- Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
- Regional links to a business resource center are provided here, along with career information, entrepreneurship and international business partnerships, etc. There is a calendar of local business events including workshops, seminars, etc. Links to small business development organizations, such as the Southwestern Pennsylvania Entrepreneurial Assistance Network (which offers free workshops and other help in small business start-up and growth), are provided.
- Small Business Development Centers
- Small business development centers in the Pittsburgh region can help entrepreneurs in many ways, including free workshops, linking with mentors, help with finding financing, and help with growing an already established business. The three main ones are: Duquesne University SBDC, University of Pittsburgh SBDC, St Vincent College SBDC.
Topical Search Engines
- Entrepreneur.com - Smart Searches for Small Business
- This is a limited area search engine for small business resources. Through this search engine, you may search the web, the site, the bookstore, or message boards for small business resources. Clicking on the "articles" tab enables you to retrieve information from Entrepreneur magazine.