ONLINE RESOURCES TO HELP LAUNCH A BUSINESS

For helpful tips to launch a new business, the SBA and some of its resource partners can offer help from pointers on writing business plans to tips on what a lender wants in a loan proposal. To learn more about small business programs, visit these Web sites:

Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov
The home page for the SBA. Find links to extensive resources for entrepreneurs, including locations of local offices, information about SBA programs and training opportunities.

Small Business Training Network
www.sba.gov/training/
The SBA's virtual campus with free training courses, workshops and more to assist entrepreneurs.

Online Women's Business Center
www.onlinewbc.gov/
A service of the SBA that promotes growth of women-owned businesses.

SCORE
www.score.org/
"Counselors to America's Small Business" - a source of free and confidential small business advice.

University of Houston Victoria Small Business Development Center
www.sbdvictoria.com
Providing free, confidential counseling, training and technical assistance to existing and start-up business in an eleven-county area.

Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov/business/small
A resource from the IRS for small business and the self-employed.

Department of Labor
www.dol.gov/osbp/sbrefa/main.htm
Find compliance assistance for small business.

Minority Business Development
www.mbda.gov
Part of the Department of Commerce, the Minority Business Development Agency fosters the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses.

Business.gov
www.business.gov/
The business link to the U.S. Government, it has information about business development, financial assistance, taxes, laws and regulations and workplace issues.

FY 2005-2006 FUNDING

The Cuero Development Corporation will begin the budgetary process for fiscal year 2005-2006 soon. Any community organizations that expect to request funding from the CDC for special projects in FY 2005-2005 (beginning October 1) should contact the CDC office for an application for project funding.

Applications to be considered for next budget should be turned in to the CDC office no later than June 30. Applications can be obtained from the CDC office located at 207 E. Main or electronically by sending your request to cuerocd@dewittec.net.