Alternative Avenues For Funding
Is a Peer-To-Peer Loan Right For You?
Asset-Based Loans
Prosper.com
Lending Club
Venture Capitalist Search - The Funded.com

Useful Business Plan Resources
The SBA's Guide To Writing a Business Plan
Resources from Bplans.com
From StartupNation, including some sample business plans


Franchising - The Research You Need
What is Franchising?
The International Franchise Association
Small Business Franchise News
Franchising Opportunities


Tips on Thriving in a Downturn
Surviving an Economic Downturn
Research: Thriving in an Economic Downturn
10 Tips to Thrive in a Downturn


Information on Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA's)
How To Use a Non-Disclosure Agreement
See A Sample Copy of an NDA
To get one more catered to you or your idea, simply try using a search engine, such as Google or Yahoo and search for "Sample Non-Disclosure Agreements"


Resources for Overseas Manufacturing:
Alibaba.com
An independent website that allows you to connect with international manufacturers to begin production and manfacture of your product on a larger scale.
Pros and Cons of Overseas Manufacturing
Vietnam... The New China?


Tips for Viral Marketing:
What Does Viral Marketing Really Mean?
Viral Marketing Tips and Tricks
The Six Principles of Viral Marketing


Franchising Resources:
The International Franchising Association - Your Ultimate Resource
More Franchising Opportunities
Is Franchising Right For You?


Helpful Resources For Finding Trade Shows:
"The Ultimate Trade Show Directory"
Biz Trade Shows
Trade Show Week


Disaster-Proof Your Business
SBA Insurance Resources
Insurance Tools and Resources
SBA Disaster Relief


Getting Your Foot In The Door
How To Get The Door Open... Just a Crack!
Make an Offer They Can't Refuse
Appointment Letters: Getting Your Foot In The Door


Start Your Business For $500 or Less
Top 10 Ways to Start a Business For Less Than $500
Ten Businesses You Can Start for Less Than $500
How To Launch a Business For Less Than $500


Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks:

The USPTO
The USPTO is the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is a vast and reliable resource for protecting your idea. From finding the correct forms you need to finding the right patent for you, the USPTO is an invaluable resource. Spend some time sifting through the pages and doing your patent homework!

Inventor Resources and Information

Find a Registered Patent Attorney In Your Area
Protecting your idea is always the biggest first step you can take. The questions everyone has is "How do I protect my idea?" or "Can I even patent this?"... as everyone's situation and idea is different the best way to get information catered to your idea is to visit a patent attorney. It's their JOB to give advice and make sure your idea is protected by US and international law, and you can be sure that any USPTO-registered attorney is not out to steal your idea. Also, MOST attorneys will offer a FREE exploratory meeting to determine what sorts of protection you need, how much it will cost and whether there is already an existing product out there. For any personalized patent questions, the best resource for your needs is most likely a skilled patent attorney! Start searching now!

The Library of Congress Copyright Office
A Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works.

Copyright FAQ

Trademark Central
A trademark includes any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination used, or intended to be used, in commerce to identify and distinguish the goods of one manufacturer or seller from goods manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods. In short, a trademark is a brand name.


Financing Help For Your Small Business:
US Small Business Administration
About The SBA: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation
SBA Grants
SBA Loans
Government Grants
National Venture Capital Association


Helpful Manufacturing Tools:
US Government’s Manufacturer’s Toolbox
ThomasNet
Alibaba.com
An independent website that allows you to connect with international manufacturers to begin production and manfacture of your product on a larger scale.
Elance.com


Popular Business Networking Sites:
StartupNation
Linkedin
Zoominfo


Expanding Your Business:
Ten Steps To Growing Your Business


Partner Resources:
Nine Tips For Starting With or Taking On a Partner


Tools for Marketing:
Small Business Association's Market and Price Tools


Tools for Brand Extention:
The 8 Types of Brand Extention
The 10 Principles of Brand Extention


Great Advice on How To Sell Your Products:
Five Tips on Ways To Sell Your Products or Services


The Big Idea provides the links above as suggestions for further research, and does not specifically endorse any of the resources listed here. Always remember to do thorough research before making any business decisions!