by Mary Byrd

Created on: May 18, 2008

"Big Daddy, I've always wanted to own a little old dress shop," she whines to her rich husband. Big Daddy writes a check and Sugar Baby, goes on a shopping and decorating spree. A year, two years later the shop closes with most of the original merchandise hanging on the rack.

Businesses are not built on an impulse. Most of us enter the retail business after much soul searching, research and experience in the field. We write a business plan, save or borrow the money, find a good location, purchase what we hope will sale, advertise, open our doors, and pray we haven't made a mistake.

While researching this article, I came across many websites, enticing you into their services or advertising a great book. Never mind the site has no mailing address or is located in Timbuktu.

There are many business consultants available, but who to choose? Who can help without costing you an arm and a leg? What you need is a mentor. You can find a reliable mentor a close as your computer. Check out the Small Business Administration's website, www.sba.gov/.

The sight is easy to use and full of information. You can find a mentor located near you by clicking on the map of your state, then click on the city nearest you, and you will receive the information about the local SBA. The SBA was created in 1956 as an independent agency to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, and to preserve free competitive enterprise, according to their web page.

To start a business, you need to determine if you are suitable to manage a business, and then write a business plan. When you are ready to start your business, the site will help you to find a mentor, acquire financing, buy a business or franchise, name your business, procure licenses and permits, and pick a location.

Once you have a business, the site can assist you to manage the business. Make decision, market and set prices, use technology, and finance growth. And heaven help, if need be, help you to exit the business.

SBA offers free online courses, advice on how to find financing, counseling and assistance, disaster assistance, and law regulations. It also serves special interest groups like women, veterans, Native Americans, and youth entrepreneurs.

You can visit their library for research and publications, audios and videos. Plus the site has forms for loans, OSHA, IRS and many more.

This is a free service and can be of invaluable assistance starting and managing any type business.

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