by C. J. Carpenter

Created on: July 15, 2008

Now more than ever, it's important for business' to cut cost to stay competitive. With the escalation of internet use, there are a number of free and useful online services available that may help your business.

One free service that you can find on the web is Google Apps at www.Google.com. Google Apps is a package of applications that you can customize for your business. The package includes "G-mail" a free web based mail client, where you can customize your web address to include your domain business or school name. It's a very user friendly program that integrates your mail with your calendar.

The Small Business Administration has free online courses available for someone dreaming about owning their own business or entrepreneurs that have been in business longer.
Go to www.sbagav/services/training/onlinecourses/index.htm l for help with business development.
www.score.org -SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executive) is an organization formed to give advice to existing or start up firms. They offer free business counseling, mentoring and training on-line or face to face.
www.jumpup.intuit.com This is a small business community network that will help you get started in business and is a resource to support all aspects of your business from marketing, public relations and accounting.

If you're looking to increase your business' exposure and need promotional tools, here are a few resources:
www.vistaprint.com - Vistaprint offers 250 free business cards from premium 80lb. card stock and you are able to choose from 42 free designs. You can also get 10 free sheets for business letters, quotes or invoices with matching envelopes.

www.moguling.com- Sign up for a business listing in National and local Directories by choosing from 50 business categories. You can also publish your own business blog with user friendly tools.
www.googleocity.com- This is a commercial listing site to promote products as well as exchange information and business resources. This site can be used by business owners, trade associations, educational institutions to list business news events. www.brothersoft.com This website provides businesses with free business cards, and free business plan templates.

Keeping your business current in the fast changing area of technology can be challenging. The following website is useful for technology support.
www.freebyte.com Freebyte advertises resources for free software, free anti-spyware, free programming, free clip art, free technical support, free computers for non-profit organizations, and more.

For convenience in buying your business checks and real estate or tax forms at a low cost there is an on-line site called:
www.checkwithsterling.com. You'll receive free shipping, free logo and watermark, 500 free double window envelopes, free 3 day rush production and free paste up proof.

Surf the internet under "free business services" to find more free, low cost and useful services and products for your business.

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