There are thousands of resources to help entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground. These ten resources cost nothing (or very little) and offer the tools necessary to get started.
The site offers hundreds of free sample business plans designed specifically for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to grow their business.
Create Wireless Hot Spots free of charge. By way of a registration and download process, users can have access to Wi-Fi connections from anywhere.
- Hotspot statistics for various locations.
- Driving directions to hotspots.
- Compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch.
- Searches can be done by location type, provider and proximity.
This site connects potential business owners with their future partners, executives and board members. Connections are made based on mutual business interest.
- Commercial real estate listings.
- Service providers, e.g. accountants.
- Opportunity postings.
- Communication through a secure messaging system.
This is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs doing market research. The site guides users on survey formatting and style. Basic usage is free.
- Surveys can be saved as a PDF for use offline.
- Collection of responses via email; Survey-takers are sent to the survey via a web link the user sends them.
- Track responses via email invitations.
- Set cut-off dates for surveys.
- Pop-up creation, making it possible for users to opt-in or out of the survey.
Those looking to find out more about their customers spending behavior and financial status can look to Free Demographics for more information.
- Market comparisons.
- Maps.
- Census info.
- Analysis based on different demographic variables.
- Radius-based reports.
BOA provides several different options for business credit, business loans, leasing, and SBA financing. Business credit cards feature low rates, accessibility to account information and more.
- Secured loans.
- Real Estate loans.
- Equipment loans.
- Vehicle loans.
- Cash-Secured loans.
A directory of company and business professional contact information. Entrepreneurs seeking to expand their professional network can have access to various professionals’ email and phone information.
- Free company data.
- Company Wiki tool.
- Research tab.
A free online polling tool that captures market opinion based on consumer answers to survey questions.
- Variations of poll questions.
- Ability to curb repeat voting.
- Modification of survey fonts, links and colors.
- Polls can include or exclude parts of a template.
A free online mentoring service, specifically tailored for entrepreneurs. New business professionals are provided with effective strategies that will help them plan, grow and sustain their businesses while increasing profits.
The breakeven calculator.
Gross profit margin calculator.
Starting costs estimator.
Business plan practice tool.
A company offering peer-to-peer business lending services to entrepreneurs looking to start a business and for business owners who would like to grow their business.
- Payment schedule.
- Online account access.
- Year-end reports.
- Toll-free customer support.
- A security agreement.