Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration

Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. SBA provides assistances primarily through its four programmatic functions: Access to Capital (Business Financing), Entrepreneurial Development (Education, Information, Technical Assistance & Training), Government Contracting (Federal Procurement), Advocacy (Voice for Small Business).

Visit SBA.gov

Minority & Woman Owned Small Business

MBDA.gov : Minority Business Development Agency
“MBDA, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce is an entrepreneurially focused organization committed to wealth creation in minority communities. The Agency’s mission is to actively promote the growth and competitiveness of large, medium and small minority business enterprises (MBEs).”
Visit MBDA.gov

WBENC.org : Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
“The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), founded in 1997, is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned controlled, and operated by women in the United States. WBENC, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to provide its national standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. WBENC is also the nation’s leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations.”
Visit WBENC.org

Small Business Financial Services

American Express OPEN: Small Business Cards
“American Express OPEN created the App Center for businesses. We’ve selected a premium set of digital tools that can help you improve cash flow, save money, and get and retain customers. In addition to powerful tools, you’ll find insightful content, including the articles…”
American Express: Small Business Saturday
“First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. November 27, 2010 was the first ever Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S. More than 200 organizations have already joined American Express OPEN, the company’s small business unit, in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.”
Visit OPEN.com
Visit AmericanExpress.com/smallbusiness/
Visit SmallBusinessSaturday.com/

Business Financial Services, Inc. (BFS)
Business Financial Services, Inc. (BFS) is a direct funding source and leader in the merchant cash advance industry since 2002, by providing working capital to business owners in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. BFS helps small to mid-sized businesses get the financing they need for inventory, equipment, remodeling, advertising, or simply extra cash flow to help out with daily business demands.
Visit BusinessFinancialServices.com

Venture Funding Network
VentureFundingNetwork.com is an active online network that brings entrepreneurs, investors, financiers and service providers together. The unique virtual network serves as a connection engine, a learning environment and a meeting place where members can post listings to find the right “door openers”. The mission is simple. VentureFundingNetwork.com connects entrepreneurs with investors, lenders and the service providers they need, all in one convenient place.
Visit VentureFundingNetwork.com

Small Business Services

Geek Squad
Geek Squad is the first national 24-hour task force dedicated to solving the world’s technology challenges. Comprised of highly skilled and specially trained computing Agents, home entertainment installers (GSIs), AutoTechs and appliance repairers (GSRs), 20,000 active Geek Squad technicians patrol Geek Squad precincts in all U.S. Best Buy stores, at Geek Squad stand-alone U.S. store locations and at service centers nationwide.
Visit GeekSquad.com

Membership Warehouse Club Programs for Small Businesses

Sam’s Club Small Business Program
“Quality, name-brand merchandise at exceptional prices: It sounds simple enough, but at Sam’s Club, it’s a concept we take to a higher level. Our nearly 600 locations are not only terrific places to save money, but also destinations for solutions that can help ease a busy schedule. Whether stocking a pantry or a business, selecting new electronics or getting ready for a party, our Members count on Sam’s Club as their source for the products and services they need to keep things running smoothly…”
Visit SamsClub.com/smallbusiness

Costco Small Business Program
Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With hundreds of locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

• Costco Business Membership
• Listing of Costco Business Services
• Health & Dental Insurance
• 401(k) plans
• Business Phone Services
• Credit Card Processing
• Checks & Forms
• Payroll Services
• Electronic Health Records
• Domains, Websites & Online Solutions
• Water Delivery
• QuickBooks Online
• Business Stationery

The Small Business Guide to a Social Media Future™

Written by Social Media Analysts™ founder, Jacob R Miles III, this book is the entrepreneur’s guide to a social media strategy for marketing, selling, and growing in a social media future. Get on the mailing list to pre-order this must have book for your small business tool kit.

• (Coming in the second half of 2012)
• List Price: $12.99 + S&H
• Pre-Order price: $9.99 + S&H
• 10% Discount to Social Media Analysts Clients
• FREE to All Social Media Analysts Pro Package Clients
• Volume discounts available

Social Media Analysts™ ( LinkedIn Group)

This LinkedIn group is for small businesses looking to integrate & optimize their brands with social media and for social media users, consultants, & agencies. Are you a small business looking to learn more about your brand or campaign through social media research and increase revenue through social media marketing? Are you a social media user, consultant, or guru? Join us here to discuss your business optimization & growth with social media and join us at SocialMediaAnalysts.com. This group is run by Grapevine Star Entertainment Inc.

View Group Stats  |  Join Social Media Analysts™ on LinkedIn

Media & Entertainment Professionals ( LinkedIn Group)

This LinkedIn group is for next generation media and entertainment entreprenuers and professionals interested in or working on the evolution of Publishing, TV, Film/Video, Internet and mobile content. This group is run by Grapevine Star Entertainment Inc.

• Over 79,000 Members
• Over 60% Owner, Senior, VP, Manager, and/or Director Level

View Group Stats  |  Join M&E Pros on LinkedIn

Worldwide Independent Content Creators (ICC) ( LinkedIn Group)

This LinkedIn group is for independent TV, film and online content creators & producers. If you are an artist, writer, CG artist, studio, post house, distributor, actor, director or producer or just someone who has a good story we’ve saved a seat for you. This group is run by Grapevine Star Entertainment Inc.

• Over 3,500 Members
• Over 60% Owner, Senior, VP, Manager, and/or Director Level

View Group Stats  |  Join Worldwide ICC on LinkedIn

Sales & Business Development Professionals ( LinkedIn Group)

This LinkedIn group is for professional experienced sales and business development professionals who understand next generation technology’s impact on their profession and endeavor to continue learning and sharing. This group is run by Grapevine Star Entertainment Inc.

• Over 2,750 Members
• Over 65% Owner, Senior, VP, Manager, and/or Director Level

View Group Stats  |  Join Sales & Business Dev. Pros on LinkedIn

Friends of Africa: In Support of Beautiful Africa ( LinkedIn Group)

This LinkedIn group is for social, business and enviromental people who want to embrace a new way to look at Africa. This group is run by Grapevine Star Entertainment Inc.

• Over 580 Members
• Over 50% Owner, Senior, VP, Manager, and/or Director Level

View Group Stats  |  Join Friends of Africa on LinkedIn

Anime & Comic Creators & Fans ( LinkedIn Group)

This LinkedIn group is focused on anime & comics, providing an environment for posting and sharing your work or work you love. Exchange ideas, participate in reviews, and get referrals for making money on your work. This group is run by Grapevine Star Entertainment Inc. and QuietYell LLC

• Over 500 Members
• Over 35% Owner, Senior, VP, Manager, and/or Director Level

View Group Stats  |  Join Anime & Comics on LinkedIn

I Love Jazz: Jazz Lovers Worldwide ( LinkedIn Group)

This LinkedIn group is a globally focused group for networking of jazz professionals, educators, artists, researchers, authors, museum personnel, theaters, jazz clubs, singers and those who appreciate, listen to and promote jazz. This group is run by Grapevine Star Entertainment Inc.

• Over 1,350 Members
• Over 50% Owner, Senior, VP, Manager, and/or Director Level

View Group Stats  |  Join I Love Jazz on LinkedIn