Missouri Business Resource Library:
Industry focus

• Alacra Industry Spotlights - Wiki with detailed reviews and comments on approximately 100 online sources of industry specific content
• Industry Information Resources - free guide to industry-specific resources and data for more than 400 industries. Individual pages for each industry list info available from trade associations, industry publications, and research firms which address subjects such as industry overview, issues, trends, and outlook, industry financial information and financial ratios, compensation and salary surveys, and business valuation resources.
• Industry Specific Business Guides - Each business brief focuses on an industry where small businesses account for much of the activity and is designed to help in business planning, especially at start-up.
• Industry Reports - From the Center for Competitive Analysis, these summaries of trends and issues, opportunities and challenges. Each research-based report also contains a Profile of the Industry in Missouri and Appendixes that point to additional sources of information.
• Missouri Industry Studies - Missouri Economic Research & Information Center's economic sector analysis reports

Agriculture

Ag magazines and web centers | General | Industries of the future

General

• Agricultural Businesses - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs through the stages of value-added business development. Includes five phases (exploration, feasibility/assessment, planning, implementation, operations) and information on retail operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources.
• Agriculture Marketing Resource Center (Iowa State University) - Provides independent producers and processors with critical information needed to build successful value-added ag enterprises. Site includes links and documents addressing commodities/products, markets/industries and business development.
• Agriculture Tax Center - IRS tax guides for farmers and agricultural business owners
• Agriseek - Online marketplace for equipment, livestock, property, farm-related products and services. Search producers or list your own agricultural products for sale.
• Calculating Costs for Growing Media (University of Massachusetts Extension - Floriculture) - Discusses the costs associated with purchasing a commercial mix or preparing growing media on site.
• Crop Marketing Plan - Discussion of agricultural marketing plan intended, to cover as many of the costs of production as possible and to maximize the price received for commodities produced. (University of Missouri Extension guidesheet).
• Energy Conservation for Greenhouse Growers (Mississippi State University Extension Service - Factors to consider in making greenhouse energy conservation decisions.
• IRS Farmer's Tax Guide - Publication 225 explaining how federal tax laws apply to farming
• List of Alternative Crops & Enterprises for Small Farm Diversification - Information on agricultural alternatives, issues to explore and expert sources of information.
• Ministry of Agriculture and Lands - Business management section of the Government of British Columbia's site with commodity-specific business plans, budget plans, farm employer's handbook, farm estate planning, IT management and business management tools.
• Missouri Alternatives Center - Information on alternative agriculture enterprises, small farms or new family farm options is available. Extension information on alternative
• Missouri Agricultural Trends and Analysis (OSEDA) - Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis (University of Missouri Extension); Profiles of Missouri agriculture using census data. Search by subject.
• Missouri Forest Products Association - Provides industry and marketing information.
• Missouri Value Added Development Center - Helps those interested in value added ventures in the area of agri-business development.
• Nursery and Greenhouse Management - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to managing a nursery or greenhouse business.
• Selling Food Products: A Business From Your Home - Covers the food safety, business and promotional aspects of starting a home-based business dealing in food (University of Missouri Extension Guidesheet).
• Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers - For many farmers, marketing and selling their products are the most challenging parts of the farm enterprise, especially when selling directly to consumers. This University of Missouri Extension publication is a comprehensive guide to the marketing aspects of selling food products including a selling checklist, building customer relationships, nonverbal communications, meeting needs, creating printed or online materials and being a good salesperson.
• Starting a Greenhouse Business (Alabama Cooperative Extension System) - Factors to consider in starting a greenhouse business.
• Starting a Greenhouse Business (Mississippi State University Extension Service) - Provides basic knowledge on the various facets of operating a greenhouse (e.g. who is the customer, selecting a greenhouse design, construction costs, operating costs and cash flow).
• Starting a Greenhouse Business (Part 1): Some Basic Questions - Provides technical details on size, cost, location and growing requirements necessary for greenhouse growing
• Starting a Greenhouse Business (Part 2): Estimating Income Potential - Lists must-have items in a greenhouse operations; offers scheduling methods for greenhouse space and provides a model for calculating the cost of production
• Texas Greenhouse Management Handbook - Production guides and fact sheets on nursery/floral crops.
• Today's Market Prices - Daily fruit, vegetables and herb market prices from around the world, including historical prices and trends; also available in Spanish.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture - Homepage of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• USDA - National Agricultural Statistics Service - Census of agriculture information tabulated by geographic area, subject and special studies.

Industries of the future

• Missouri Industries of the Future: Agriculture - Missouri University of Science and Technology's Industrial Assessment Center's program targeting Industries of the Future with a significant presence in Missouri. Agriculture section includes Missouri industry profiles, vision and roadmap
• Missouri Industries of the Future: Forest Products - Missouri University of Science and Technology's Industrial Assessment Center's program targeting Industries of the Future with a significant presence in Missouri. Forest Products section includes Missouri industry profiles, vision and roadmap
• U.S. Department of Energy Biomass - Dept. of Energy's cost-shared R&D develops technology to increase the use of bio-based materials as feedstocks, fuels, chemicals, materials and power.
• Visions and Roadmap: Agriculture Industry of the Future:
• Plant/Crop-Based Renewable Resources 2020 - A Vision to Enhance U.S. Economic Security Through Renewable Plant/Crop-Based Resource Use
• The Technology Roadmap for Plant/Crop-Based Renewable Resources 2020 - Research Priorities for Fulfilling a Vision to Enhance U.S. Economic Security through Renewable Plant/Crop-Based Resource Use

Food-related topics

• Association for Convenience and Petroleum Retailing - Source for information, knowledge and connections to the convenience store industry.
• Beverage World - Covers the issues, trends, people and companies shaping the fast-changing beverage market.
• Bill Marvin, The Restaurant Doctor - Provides free hints and good suggestions for restauranteurs.
• Convenience Store News Online - Includes market research and industry-related surveys and reports.
• ENERGY STAR® for Restaurants - Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) tips, tools and resources for saving energy in food service businesses.
• Food Magazines and Web Centers
• The Food Channel - Features culinary trends, food associations directory, newsletter and resources for food professionals relating to food trends.
• Fooddude - Packaged foods and beverage information.
• The Food Marketing Institute - Supermarket facts, trends, research, glossary of terms and newsletter.
• Food Processing - Reports on strategy and technology developments in the food processing industry.
• Food Processing Business - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a food processing business.
• The Gourmet Retailer - Industry information, trade show calendar and news articles for retailers of specialty food and kitchenware.
• Grocery Manufacturers Association - Contains news, public policy updates and industry information on food, beverages and consumer products.
• GS1 US Uniform Code Council, Inc. - Information on getting started with uniform product code/bar codes: application process and fees; industry specific guidelines and standards.
• International Food Information Council Foundation - Collects and disseminates scientific information on food safety, nutrition and health. Translates research into understandable and useful information.
• IRS Restaurants Tax Center - The IRS's guide including links to tax tips, trends and statistics related to the restaurant industry.
• Missouri 2002 Economic Census Accommodation and Food Services - Part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Geographic Area Series; using the NAICS code for restaurants and other food-related businesses, statistics for food costs, labor and more can be found.
• The Morning Cup - Online news service to the food and beverage industry; provides a daily report of food and beverage industry news articles and trends commentary
• National Restaurant Association - Provides information on trends in dining out; government affairs; trade shows; foodservice training and certification; research; quality control; safety and security; publications; and related internet sites.
• The Natural Foods Merchandiser - Natural products industry information.
• Prepared Foods - Industry information and statistics.
• Pollution Prevention: Hospitality Industry - Measures, resources and a detailed list of strategies and benefits for implementing a pollution prevention and recycling plan for establishments providing food services. Part of the Missouri Environmental Assistance Center's section on the hospitality industry.
• Realbeer.com - Information about beer, brewpubs, microbreweries, homebrewing and the beer industry.
• Restaurant Owner.com - Business resource center for independent restaurant owners and operators.
• Restaurant Report - Information for hospitality professionals and food connoisseurs. Contains listing of top 100 food websites.
• Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers - For many farmers, marketing and selling their products are the most challenging parts of the farm enterprise, especially when selling directly to consumers. This University of Missouri Extension publication is a comprehensive guide to the marketing aspects of selling food products including a selling checklist, building customer relationships, nonverbal communications, meeting needs, creating printed or online materials and being a good salesperson.
• Starting a Food Business - USDA information addressing regulations, regulatory agencies, requirements and laws regarding many aspects of the food business.

Franchising

• American Association of Franchisees and Dealers - Acts to educate the public regarding fair franchise practices, quality franchise opportunities and to expose unethical practices.
• American Franchise Directory - Searchable directory of franchise opportunities; includes facts, tips and franchise checklist.
• America's Best Franchises - This franchise marketplace serves to be the premier resource to prospective franchise buyers and a qualified sales lead source.
• Buy, Build or Franchise - Choosing the right way to go into business.
• Franchise Direct - Includes a comprehensive directory of franchise opportunities. Provides news, views and advice to potential franchisees and those considering franchising as a means of business expansion.
• Franchises - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to buying and managing a franchise opportunity.
• Franchising - Learn how to understand the differences between a franchise and a business opportunity. Ways to compare the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a franchise instead of starting a new business and be able to evaluate a franchise offering.
• Franchise Showroom - Franchise opportunities, resource center and franchisor information.
• Franchise Times - News and information source for franchising. Ranks top 200 franchise chains.
• FranchiseHandbook.com - Detailed information on over 1700 franchises.
• Franchise Ownership Center - USA Today's alphabetical directory of franchise businesses for sale
• FranChoice - Information about the risks and opportunities in franchising; includes a survey to help gauge interest and aptitude for becoming a franchisor.
• FranNet: The Franchise Connection - Helps prospective franchisees find businesses.
• International Franchise Association - Franchise information for franchisors, franchisees and suppliers.
• Is Franchising for Me Workbook? - One of SBA's Workbooks providing a checklist to help you self-evaluate your skills and experience and determine whether you posess the characteristics to go into franchising.
• The Quality-Control Myth - Use motivated and committed management to maintain the value of your franchise system (from Entrepreneur).

Home-based business

• Associations for the home-based business
• Bed and Breakfast: Is This the Right Business for You? - Abstract of publication that provides several hints about operating a bed and breakfast. (Note: University of Missouri Extension Guidesheet)
• Build It and They Will Come ... Or Will They? - Your business is launched. How do you get the word out?
• Business Plan ... Marketing Plan ... Security Plan? - Working from home offers many advantages, both in convenience and economic terms, but it also can make you vulnerable.
• Business Scams - Tips to help understand which business opportunities are schemes or scams and which are legitimate.
• The Crafts Report - Provides information on marketing, growing your craft business, time management, studio safety, retail relationships, features on other craft professionals and industry news and statistics.
• Don't Commit a Foul in the Business Name Game - Cover all the legal bases when deciding what to call your business.
• ENERGY STAR® for Home-based Businesses - Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) tips, tools and resources for saving energy in home-based businesses.
• Expanding Your Circle: Hiring employees - Compliance rules and regulations to be aware of when you hire employees.
• Finding the Right Answers in a World of Possibilities - Sources of market research information include industry, demographic, financial, and general. Doing your homework is an ongoing priority for those who work at home.
• Home-Based Business: Doing Your Taxes - Special tax considerations for the home-based business
• "Home-Based Business: Keeping Records" - Provides guides and a checklist to help you develop a simple set of records for your business. (Note: University of Missouri Extension guidesheet)
• Home-Based Business: Market Your Product - Offers strategies to promote your product or service.
• Home-based business magazines and Web centers
• Home-based Business: Will it work for me? - A tool to help you explore options and look for more information before starting a home-based business.
• Home Office Deduction Reminders - IRS fact sheet explaining the rules for deducting home office expenses.
• How to Start and Manage a Home-based Business - Discussion of the marketing and management skills necessary to succeed in operating a home-based business, plus information on licenses, regulations, legal structure, taxes, insurance, recordkeeping and business plans.
• Insurance - A worksheet to help determine the specific risks you are assuming and various insurance needs as a home-based entrepreneur.
• Is it Too Good to be True? - IRS offers home-based business tax avoidance schemes
• Is There a Would-Be Business Owner in There? - Do a little self-study if you want to start a business but are unsure of the course to take.
• Licensing - Requirements for starting and operating a home-based business.
• Making Sure Your Home Base is Covered - Understanding and obtaining appropriate business insurance can help keep an insurable loss, which is not insured, from puting you out of business.
• Marketing Crafts and Other Products to Tourists - Abstract of publication that offers tips for wholesaling and selling retail to tourist areas. (Note: University of Missouri Extension publication must be purchased)
• The Myth About Grants for Business: It's Not "Free Money" - Unless there is a very good reason for seeking a grant, the business owner who has that much time and energy could better put that effort into working on business improvements.
• Pitfalls of Business Financing That's "All in the Family" - Use the same professional approach you use with a bank when receiving loans from friends or family members.
• Selling Food Products: A Business From Your Home - Abstract of publication that provides points to consider when selling food products prepared at home. (Note: UOE publication must be purchased)
• Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers - For many farmers, marketing and selling their products are the most challenging parts of the farm enterprise, especially when selling directly to consumers. This University of Missouri Extension publication is a comprehensive guide to the marketing aspects of selling food products including a selling checklist, building customer relationships, nonverbal communications, meeting needs, creating printed or online materials and being a good salesperson.
• Working Without a Net Can Be Bad for Your Health - A review of health insurance for the business owner

Manufacturing

Assistance/counseling | Associations
Industries of the future magazines/web centers
New product development | Manufacturing technology

Manufacturing assistance/counseling

• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE - U.S. Department of Energy) - Industrial Technologies Program; creates partnerships among industry, trade groups, government agencies and other organizations to research, develop and deliver advanced energy efficiency, renewable energy and pollution prevention technologies for industrial customers.
• Missouri Enterprise - Offers extensive expertise, hands-on assistance and a wealth of resources in the areas of research and development, marketing, manufacturing, and facilities management. Assists in streamlining processes, improving profitability, expanding production or moving product.
• Missouri Environmental Assistance Center - Resource for pollution prevention and environmental compliance assistance.
• Missouri Industrial Assessment Center - University of Missouri program offering energy audit and productivity assessment to qualified small to medium sized manufacturers.
• Missouri Market Development Program - Helps Missouri manufacturers find and use recycled materials in producing new products.
• University of Central Missouri Small Business & Technology Center - Operates the Missouri Product Assistance Lab (MoPAL), a specialized laboratory that assists business and industry with precision measuring, prototype development and custom testing.
• University of Missouri-Rolla Industrial Assessment Center - Program identifies and evaluates opportunities for energy conservation, waste minimization and productivity enhancement for small and medium-sized manufacturing facilities.
  
  

Manufacturing Associations

Industries of the future

• Missouri Industries of the Future - UMR's Industrial Assessment Center's program targeting Industries of the Future with a significant presence in Missouri. Selected industries, with Missouri Industry Profiles, vision, roadmaps and more, include:
  
• Agriculture
• Aluminum Production and Processing
• Chemicals
• Forest Products
• Glass Products
• Metal Casting
• Mining
• Petroleum
• Steel
• U.S. Department of Energy Intensive Industries - The Office of Industrial Technologies maximizes its technology investments through collaborative R&D partnerships in eight vital industries.
• Visions and Roadmaps - Aluminum Industry:
• Aluminum Industry Vision
• Aluminum Industry Technology Roadmap
• Aluminum Industry Roadmap for the Automotive Market
• Inert Anode Roadmap
• Visions and Roadmaps - Chemical Industry:
  • New Biocatalysts: Essential Tools for a Sustainable 21st Century Chemical Industry
  • New Process Chemistry Technology Roadmap
  • Technology Roadmap for Computational Chemistry
  • Technology Roadmap for Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Vision 2020: 2000 Separations Roadmap
  • Vision 2020 Chemical Industry of the Future
  • Vision 2020: Reaction Engineering Roadmap
  • Vision 2020: Technology Roadmap for Combinatorial Methods


Manufacturing magazines and Web centers

New product development

• Cool Product Idea! Now What? (part I) (part II) - You've come up with a great invention. Before finding someone to make it, you need a plan. Includes lessons learned on product development.
• Explore Basic Issues Before Applying for a Patent: Freedom to operate and patentability - Before applying for a patent, be sure to determine if you have freedom to operate...whether or not you can produce and sell a product or use a process without infringing on the intellectual property rights of others.
• Intellectual property (copyrights, patent and trademark)


Supplier information and directories

Manufacturing technology

• Center for Environmental Science and Technology at Missouri University of Science and Technology - Assists industries in identifying and solving environmental problems and concerns related to cloud and aerosol sciences, materials research and recycling, environmental trace analysis, materials characterization, toxicology, coatings technology and environmental monitoring.
• Coatings Institute at Missouri University of Science and Technology - Exchanges technical information with the coatings industry. Sponsors symposia, technology exchange and in-house education at companies.
• Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) - Formerly known as the Office of Industrial Technologies. Part of the Department of Energy that creates partnerships among industry, trade groups, government agencies and other organizations to research, develop and deliver advanced energy efficiency, renewable energy and pollution prevention technologies for industrial customers.
• IRS Industries: Manufacturing - The IRS's guide including links to tax tips, trends and statistics for the manufacturing industry.
• Lean Manufacturing Principles Yield Production Benefits - Every business faces increasing customer requirements, the need to reduce costs, competition and shorter lead times. Implementation of lean manufacturing principles into any business will ultimately improve the bottom line and increase customer satisfaction.
• LogisticsWorld - Guide to thousands of sites related to logistics, logistics management, transportation, supply chain management, warehousing, distribution, maintenance, manufacturing, management, reliability, mathematics and business on the web.
• Materials Research Center at Missouri University of Science and Technology - Provides research facilities, an equipment base and a support infrastructure that enables faculty members, students and industry professionals to conduct successful, team-oriented research and development projects.
• New Technology and Manufacturing Processes - Pittsburgh Supercomputer Center's annual report including articles on specific manufacturing process design.
• Office of Waste Management (University of Missouri Extension) - Partners with governments, businesses and communities to develop environmentally sound waste reduction and waste management strategies.

Non-profits

• Creating a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation in Missouri - University Extension guide providing access to most of the resources necessary to establish a non-profit corporation in Missouri.
• Free Management Library - Integrated library for nonprofits and for-profit businesses.
• How to Form a Non-Profit Corporation - Step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to form and operate a tax-exempt corporation. Includes complete instructions for obtaining federal 501(c)(3) tax exemption status. (Note: Publication must be purchased)
• idealist.org: The Nonprofit FAQ - Indexed collection of answers to Frequently Asked Questions about nonprofit organizations.
• Missouri Non-Profit Corporation Forms and Instructions - View and print forms from the Missouri Secretary of State's web site in the same format as they appear in print.
• Should I Seek Nonprofit Status for My Business? - Advantages and disadvantages of forming a nonprofit corporation and the necessary steps to take
• Tax Information for Charities & Other Non-Profits - Links to federal tax forms and information on IRS site.

Retail

• 2009 Missouri Retail Promotion Calendar
• Antique Shop - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running an antique store.
• Auto Sales - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running an auto sales business.
• Chain Store Age - Online resource for retail executives. Retail news updated twice each business day.
• Convenience Store - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a convenience store.
• Competing with Mass Merchandisers - With the recent expansion of mass merchandisers into almost every locale, how can the small business survive? This study's results can help you understand how to compete - from merchandise and marketing to service and customer relations.
• Convenience Store News Online - News, original research, trends and best-practice information involving the convenience store and petroleum marketing industry.
• ENERGY STAR® for Grocery/Convenience Stores - Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) tips, tools and resources for saving energy in super market, grocery store or convenience store businesses.
• Gift Shop - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a gift shop.
• Grocery Store - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a grocery store.
• GS1 US Uniform Code Council, Inc. - Information on Getting Started with Uniform Product Code/Bar Codes: Application Process and Fees; Industry Specific Guidelines.
• Hometown Business: Plan and Control Your Inventory - Details methods for determining how much money should be spent on various categories of merchandise. Examples provide a guide for developing a plan to assist in controlling inventory. (Note: University of Missouri Extension guidesheet.)
• Hometown Business: We All Pay the Cost - Stop the Shoplifters - Suggestions for managing retail theft. (Note: University of Missouri Extension guidesheet.)
• How to Decide on a Retail Site - Factors to consider in choosing a retail location.
• IRS Industries: Automotive - The IRS's guide including links to tax tips, trends and statistics for the automotive industry.
• IRS Industries: Gas Retailers - The IRS's guide including links to tax tips, trends and statistics for the gasoline retailers.
• Missouri 2002 Economic Census Retail Trade - Part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Geographic Area Series; using the NAICS code for various retail businesses, statistics for operating costs and more can be found.
• U.S. Mall Report - Publication by the International Council of Shopping Centers which contains monthly information, including sales per square foot, on non-anchor stores. Information covers 32 merchandise categories.
• National Retail Federation - Retail trade association that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution including department specialty, discount, catalog, Internet and independent stores. Addresses issues involving research, education, training, information technology and government affairs.
• Retail Associations
• Retailwire - Offers unique, multi-perspective discussions on the latest retail industry news and issues. Information centers organized by category and business.
• Retailing Magazines and Web Centers
• Retail Store - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a retail store business.
• Small Business Marketing: Planning a Retail Advertising Program - Guidelines to help plan an advertising budget, select media, use cooperative advertising and prepare the ad itself.
• The Small Business Owner's Guide to Living in Harmony with the Big Retailers - Learn how to compete with the big box retailers by differentiation, enhanced value proposition, unique products and a friendly atmosphere.

Service

• Auto Body Shop Pollution Prevention - Green practices for auto body refinishers.
• Beauty Salon and Barber Shop - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a salon or barber shop service.
• Bed and Breakfast - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a bed and breakfast.
• Catering - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a catering service business.
• Cleaning Services - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a cleaning service business.
• Computer Sales, Service and Consulting - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a computer sales, service and/or consulting business.
• Consultant - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a consulting business.
• Counseling Services - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a counseling service business.
• Day Care, Adult - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a day care business for adults.
• Day Care, Child - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a day care center for children.
• Dental Practice Pollution Prevention - Green practices for dental offices.
• Developing a Bed and Breakfast Business Plan - Michigan State University Extension's document detailing preparing a business plan for a B&B.
• Dry Clean Pollution Prevention - Green practices for dry cleaning facilities.
• Eating and Drinking Establishments - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a restaurant, bar or similar business.
• ENERGY STAR® for Lodgings - Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) tips, tools and resources for saving energy in hotel, motel, bed and breakfast or guest house businesses.
• Elder Care/Long Term Care - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running an elder care or long term care business.
• Health Care Operation Pollution Prevention - Green practices for health care facilities.
• Home Health Care Agency - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a home health care service.
• Hospitality Industry Pollution Prevention - Green practices for lodging, laundry, food service, convention, business services, landscaping and recreational service businesses.
• IRS Industries: Construction - The IRS's guide including links to tax topics, news and educational publications related to the construction industry.
• Is a Farm/Ranch Recreation Business for You? - Educational publication intended for rural folks who are involved in the growing industry of tourism on farms and ranches. Handbook provides assistance in creating a farm and ranch recreation business and operations plan.
• Landscape Management - Source for industry news and trends, product reviews, technical updates, and management solutions for landscape contractors and professional lawn care/turf operators professionals.
• Massage Therapy - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a therapeutic massage business.
• Photography - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a photography business.
• Private Investigator - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a private investigator business.
• Remodeling - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a remodeling business.
• Stanislaus: Helpful Information for New Restauraterus - Library of successful marketing contributions from independent restauretaurs including image building, operations, boosting sales, customer loyalty and sales and working with employees from La Trattoria newsletter..

Technology

Associations| Biotechnology | Computers in business
Environmental technology | Funding/programs
Magazines/web centers
Innovation centers/incubators research parks
Technology Transfer

Technology associations

Biotechnology

• Missouri Biotechnology Association - Nonprofit trade association dedicated to the development and growth of the Missouri biotechnology and biomedical industry.
• MU Life Sciences - Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Computers in business and computer-related businesses

• Association of Personal Computer User Groups - Facilitates user groups.
• Better Business Bureau's Security & Privacy - Made Simpler - Toolkit to help small business owners manage security and privacy challenges. Includes tips for preventing hacking, phishing, data theft and employee theft. Offers guidance on whom to notify in the event of data infringement.
• Buyer Zone - Offers comprehensive, supplier-neutral purchasing information. Connects buyers to suppliers of more than 150 product and service categories; offers Request for Quotes service; prepares you for your purchasing decision with buyer's guides and other articles to make informed purchasing decisions.
• CNET Shopper - Where to buy online; comparative shopping guide.
• Computer Sales, Service and Consulting - Business profile designed to help entrepreneurs learn specifics on operation, legal structure, taxes, hiring and resources relevant to running a computer sales or consulting service business.
• Computing and Technology at About.com - Get hot news, helpful advice, key links, and invaluable perspective from the About.com expert guides.
• Computing Technology Industry Association - Trade association (CompTIA) is committed to fostering the IT industry by promoting industry standards, growing professional IT expertise, providing IT skills education and developing relevant business solutions.
• Howstuffworks "Computer Channel" - Easy to understand explanations about hardware, software, internet, networking, viruses, security and more.
• Independent Computer Consultants Association - ICCA is a national not-for-profit association providing professional development opportunities and business support programs for independent computer consultants.
• Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals - The ICCP was established to credential the highest level of IT professions.
  
• PC Mechanic - A site for fixing PCs. Provides information on computers, tutorials on how to perform various tasks and explanations on how things work.
• PriceWatch - Find street prices on new and used computer hardware.
• TechWeb - "The Business Technology Network" includes news, reviews, research. a tech encyclopedia and much more for all things computer- and business technology-related.
• See also Electronic commerce or Web marketing

Environmental technology

• CCCAR-GreenLink®, Environmental Compliance for the Automotive Industry - Provides environmental information and best practices to help automotive shop owners, managers and technicians better understand their environmental responsibilities and to help them achieve compliance with environmental program requirements.
• GRN - Global Recycling Network - Dedicated to recycling-related information.
• National Center for Environmental Research (NCER) - Part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Web site. Provides information and support to improve decisions on national environmental issues including research grants.
• National Council for Science and the Environment - Works to improve the scientific basis for environmental decision making.
• Pollution Prevention - EPA - Part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Web site. Provides information and databases for pollution prevention, laws, technical assistance and grants.
• Rocky Mountain Institute - Fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources.
• State Energy Program Projects in Missouri - Part of Alternatives, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network, U.S. Department of Energy's site. Provides information on state projects, grants and case studies.

Funding/programs:

• Defense Contractors SBIR/STTR Partnering Manual - DOD's tool for strengthening internal SBIR/STTR efforts and identifies best practices strategy for building effective SBIR/STTR partnerships between small and large businesses.
• Inventions and Innovation Program - Part of the U.S. Department of Energy's web site. Provides information and steps required to obtain grants under the inventions and innovation grant program managed by the Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT).
• Missouri Federal and State Technology Partnership (MoFAST) - A unique partnership among the U.S. Small Business Administration, University of Missouri Extension and its partners to bring SBIR and STTR government research and development awards to your small business!
• SBIR/STTR Programs - Part of SBA's site relevant to funding for innovative, high-tech R&D projects through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs.
  
  

Technology magazines and Web centers

Missouri innovation centers, incubators and research parks

• Center for Emerging Technologies - A St. Louis organization that functions as a non-profit, public-private-academic partnership designed to develop specialized services and provide facility infrastructure to promote the growth of advanced technology companies in the St. Louis region.
• Economic Development Center of St. Charles County Business Incubator - A not-for-profit organization that focuses on technology-driven companies and provides office and light manufacturing space; conference rooms; shared services and office equipment; business management consultation services; administrative and technical assistance; access to management/financial analyses and access to financial programs.
• Mid-Missouri Technology Business Incubator - Mid-Missouri technology incubator creating a cluster of local technology businesses that can provide economic growth and more jobs for Missourians on a sustainable basis.
• Missouri Enterprise - An entity that serves small manufacturing, technology and agricultural businesses by providing expertise and services in areas such as R&D, marketing, manufacturing process improvement and facilities management.
• Missouri Research Park - An organization in St. Charles, Missouri, that serves high-tech and research-based companies that need creativity and productivity support as well as access to researchers and facilities of the University of Missouri system campuses.
• Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise - A St. Louis business incubator established to help ensure the commercial success of startup and early-stage life science companies. Provides business facilities, business planning assistance, mentoring, intellectual property information assistance and other services of value to small, high-tech life science firms.
• Ozark Foothills Business Incubator - Provides new and expanding businesses with economical space and services during the critical period of product/process development and establishment of markets.
• St. Louis County Economic Council - Supports the launching of new businesses and expansion of existing ones through its business incubators located in South County, Midtown and West County. Provides affordable office, warehouse/production and retail space; mentoring by community business leaders; networking opportunities and links to resources; a supportive, professional environment and low-cost loans for qualifying clients.

Technology transfer:

• Advance Technology Program-R&D Alliance Network - Part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology web site. Promotes the development of path-breaking new technologies by providing cost-shared funding for potentially valuable but high-risk R&D projects. ATP is a competitive program for both large and small companies. It does not fund companies to do product development.
• Argonne National Laboratory-Technology Transfer - Commercialization and licensing opportunities, technology transfer opportunities and partnering with Argonne.
• Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer - Promotes and strengthens technology transfer nation-wide through more than 700 major federal laboratories and centers. Technology transfer officers help initiate person-to-person contacts and technology transfer arrangements between potential users and specific laboratories.
• Industrial Partnerships Office at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - Partners with U.S. industry to assist in transferring technologies to the marketplace.
• NASA Ames Research Center - Encourages the application of NASA technologies. Manages and coordinates partnership agreements, technology licensing and resources for small business development.
• National Technology Transfer Center - Provides American companies and individuals with access to federal research and development and technology transfer support.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Technology Transfer Information Center - Helps promote the conversion of federally-developed inventions into commercial products.
• U.S. Department of Energy-Industrial Technologies Program - Creates partnerships among industry, trade groups, government agencies and other organizations to research, develop and deliver advanced energy efficiency, renewable energy and pollution prevention technologies for industrial customers.