Small Business and Economic Resources

This site is fundamental in helping new entrepreneurs look into creating their own business.

How to use face-to-face interviewing for market research 

(n.d.) (2021). The pros and cons of face-to-face interviews for market research. Communications for research.net.

Pros and Cons of Face-to-Face Market Research 

Pros: 

  1. Empathy and personal interaction with customers.
  2. Capturing non-verbal (body language) cues from customers.
  3. Evaluation of Customers’ experience of your product. 

Cons: 

  1. Higher costs than other forms of customer market research.
  2. The potential of collecting biased customer market data. 
  3. Data processing and analytics of face-to-face customer interviews. 
  4. Making data analytics actionable to obtain customer data. 

Advanced Links 

Marshall, C. (01/16/2016). Face to face interviews: Advantages and disadvantages. LinkedIn.com.

(n.d). (2021). What are the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face interviews? blurtit.com. Reference link

How to Use Focus Groups for Market Research

Basic Link 

Beltis, AJ. (2021). How to run a focus group for your business. hubspot.com.

Advanced Links 

Marczak, M., and Sewell, M. (2021). Using focus groups for evaluation. arizona.edu. Reference link

(Duke, T.) (11/20/1998). Guidelines for conducting a focus group. oldmiss.edu.

How to Use the Internet for Market Research 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). Conducting online research: Tips and tools. inc.com. Reference link

Advanced Links 

Dogmara, S. (YEAR). Advantages and disadvantages of internet marketing research. worldscientificnews.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (03/08/2020). 10 Proven internet marketing tactics for small businesses with small budgets. justdigital.com. Reference link

How to Use the Internet for Market Research 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). Conducting online research: Tips and tools. inc.com. Reference link

Advanced Links 

Dogmara, S. (YEAR). Advantages and disadvantages of internet marketing research. worldscientificnews.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (03/08/2020). 10 Proven internet marketing tactics for small businesses with small budgets. justdigital.com. Reference link

How to Use Surveys for Market Research 

Basic Link 

Ernest-Jones, S. (07/29/2019). How to conduct a market survey that works. gwi.com. Reference link

Advanced Links 

Bashin, H. (04/01/2018). How to conduct a market survey? marketing91.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Using market research surveys to validate your product strategy. survicate. com. Reference link.

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). Write your business plan. sba.com. Reference link

Advanced Links 

African-American Free Governmental Assistance (n.d.). (2021). SCORE for black entrepreneurs. score.org. Reference link.

African-American Non-Government Entrepreneurial Organizations Assistance 

(n.d.). (08/05/2021). African American Entrepreneurs Association. aaeassociantion.org. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Entrepreneur Directory-Find Entrepreneurs. every.black.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Center for Black Entrepreneurship. blackeconomicalliance.org.  

(n.d.). (2021). African American Chamber of Commerce Central Florida. Reference link.

General Free Governmental Entrepreneurial Assistance 

(n.d.). (2021). SCORE. score.org. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Volusia/Flagler SCORE. Volusiaflagler.score.org.

(n.d.). (2021). DEO Office of Community Partnerships. Floridajobs.org. Reference link

(n.d.). Volusia County Economic Development. volusiacounty.org. Reference link.

Non-Government Entrepreneurial Organizations Assistance 

Prater, M. (2021). How to develop a strategic plan for business development.hubspot.com. Reference link

Basic Links 

(n.d.). (2021). 10 Steps to start your business. sba.gov. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Write your business plan. sba.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Developing a business plan. web.sba.gov. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Market research and competitive analysis. sba.gov. Reference link

Advanced Links 

Vo, E. (11/16/2021). What is strategic planning? sba.thehartford.com. Reference link

Prater, M. (2021). How to develop a strategic plan for business development.hubspot.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (10/09/2019). Key performance indicators (KIPs): What they are and how to use them. Microsoft.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Essential key performance indicators for small business. kpi.com. Reference link

Brice, M. (2021). Metrics, scorecards and key performance indicators (KPI’s). Michael Hartzell. 

Advanced Five Force Analysis Links

(n.d.). What is five force analysis? visual-paradigm.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Porter’s five forces analysis tutorial. visual-paradigm.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (07/2019). Porter’s five forces: a simple summary. Worldofwork.io/. Reference link

(n.d.). (06/20/2020). Porter’s five forces analysis with examples. Marketing10.in. Reference link

African-American Free Governmental Assistance (n.d.). (2021). SCORE for black entrepreneurs. score.org. Reference link

African-American Non-Government Entrepreneurial Organizations Assistance 

(n.d.). (08/05/2021). African American Entrepreneurs Association. aaeassociantion.org. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Entrepreneur Directory-Find Entrepreneurs. every.black.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Center for Black Entrepreneurship. blackeconomicalliance.org.  

(n.d.). (2021). African American Chamber of Commerce Central Florida. Reference link

African American Women Non-Government Entrepreneurial Organizations Assistance 

(n.d.) (2021). Black Women In Business. blackwomeninbusiness.org. Reference link

(n.d). (2021). National Association of Black Women Business Entrepreneurs. nabwe.org. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Black Women Entrepreneurs. blackwomenentrepreneurs.com. 

General Free Governmental Entrepreneurial Assistance

(n.d.). (2021). SCORE. score.org. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Volusia/Flagler SCORE. Volusiaflagler.score.org. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). DEO Office of Community Partnerships. Floridajobs.org. Reference link

(n.d.). Volusia County Economic Development. volusiacounty.org. Reference link.

Basic Links 

(n.d.). (2021). Marketing and sales. sba.gov. Reference link

Lewis, M.R., (10/10/2021). How to promote your business for free. Reference link. (Online Marketing)

Heaslip, E. (2021). 9 Ways to promote your small business now. uschamber.com. (Online Marketing) 

Wong, B. (11/29/2021). Small business marketing materials. sba.thehartford.com. Reference link. (Offline Marketing) 

Advanced Links

(n.d.). (2021). SBA brand guide. sba.gov. Reference link. (Online and Offline Marketing) 

(n.d.). (10/25/2021). BBB business tip: 10 Branding tips every small business should consider. Reference link. (Online and Offline Marketing). 

(n.d.). (2021). 10 Small business branding tips for 2021. Aronsonhecht.com. Reference link. (Both Online and Offline Marketing) 

(n.d.). (10/10/2020). Five easy tips for business branding. business.nextdoor.com. Reference link. (Both Online and Offline Marketing) 

Marketing Basic Link: (n.d.). (2021). Marketing and sales. sba.gov. Reference link. (Online and Offline Marketing) 

Branding Basic Link: (n.d.). (2021). SBA brand guide. sba.gov. Reference link. (Online and Offline Marketing) 

Advanced Branding Links: 

(n.d.). (10/25/2021). BBB business tip: 10 Branding tips every small business should consider. Reference link. (Online and Offline Marketing)

(n.d.). (2021). 10 Small business branding tips for 2021. aronsonhecht.com. Reference link. (Both Online and Offline Marketing) 

(n.d.). (10/10/2020). Five easy tips for business branding. business.nextdoor.com. Reference link. (Both Online and Offline Marketing) 

deBara, D. (12/02/2019). Five inexpensive branding strategies for small businesses. 99designs.com. (Online and Offline marketing) 

(n.d.). (11/14/2014). 4 Ways using drip email campaigns to drive conversions. entrepreneur.com. Reference link. 

(n.d.). (2021). 9 Design rules for creating effective print ads: Infographic. drmg.com. Reference link

Business Promotion 

Basic Link: (n.d.). (2021). Marketing and sales. sba.gov. Reference link. (Online and Offline Marketing) 

Advanced Links: 

Lewis, M.R., (10/10/2021). How to promote your business for free. wikihow.com. Reference link. (Online Marketing) 

Heaslip, E. (2021). 9 Ways to promote your small business now. uschamber.com. (Online Marketing) 

Wong, B. (11/29/2021). Small business marketing materials. sba.thehartford.com. Reference link. (Offline Business Marketing) 

(n.d.). (2021). 9 Design rules for creating effective print ads: Infographic. drmg.com. Reference link

Marketing Content: 

Basic Links 

(n.d.). (2021). The fundamentals of content marketing for small businesses. SCORE.org. Reference link

Advanced Links

(n.d.). Tips for online content marketing. SCORE.org. Reference link

Marketing Calendar: 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). Marketing calendar template. SCORE.org. Reference link

Advanced Links 

(Online Business Marketing) 

Mekelle, B. (09/15/2020). How to create a small business content marketing calendar. problemsolverconsultants.com. 

Lake, L. (07/31/2019). How to create and use a marketing calendar effectively. thebalancesmb. com.

US Government SBA Webpages

(n.d.). (2021). Funding programs-loans. sba.com. Reference link.

(n.d.). (2021). Funding programs-grants. sba.com. Reference link.

(n.d.). (2021). Manage your finances. sba.gov. Reference link

State of Florida DEO 

(n.d.). (2021). Small and minority business programs. floridajobs.org. 

Business Websites 

(n.d.). (06/17/2020). Small business grants: What are they and how to apply. business .nextdoor.com. 

Guillory. S. (11/09/2021). Small business grants: free money for business. nav.com. Reference link

Minority Small Business Loans 

(n.d). (01/27/2021). A 2021 guide to small business loans to minorities. banks.com. Reference link

Banks and Credit Unions 

(n.d.) (2021). Self-help credit union DeLand branch. self-help.com. Reference link

Non-Traditional Small Business Financing 

Simpson, K. (12/03/2021). 6 Non-traditional sources of capital. sba.thehartford.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (07/01/2021). Seven non-traditional ways to finance your business. webbiquity.com. Reference link

Bower, B. (2021). Non-traditional financing for your small business. businessmodelinstitute. com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Non-traditional funding. businesspracticalknowledge.wordpress.com. Reference link.

US Government Websites 

Basic Links

(n.d.). (2021). Labor laws and issues. usa.gov. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Small business requirements. eeoc.gov. Reference link

Advanced Links

(n.d.). (2021). Other employment issues. eeoc.gov. Reference link. 

(n.d.). (2021). Small business| Occupational Safety and Health Administration. osha.gov. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Compliance assistance-new and small businesses. dol.gov. Reference link

Small Business Concerns and Challenges 

US Government and Reputable Websites 

Basic Link

(n.d.). (2021). Small business concerns. employer.gov. Reference link

(n.d.). (04/21/2019). No handbook? No problem! 5 “must-have” employee policies for any small business. score.org. Reference link

Advanced Links 

Charles, J. (10/05/2017). The top ten challenges small business owners are facing today. smallbiztrends.com. 

Kh, R. (12/18/2017). The biggest HR problems faced by small business. Catalystforbusiness.com. Reference link

The State of Florida 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). Florida employment and labor laws. employmentlawhandbook.com. Reference link

Advanced Link

(n.d.). (2021). Florida employment laws. findlaw.com. Reference link

Small Business Health Insurance 

Basic Link 

(n.d.) (2021). Health insurance for your business and employees. healthcare.gov. Reference link

Advanced Link 

(n.d.). (04/04/2020). The best strategy for health insurance for small businesses. takecommandhealth.com. Reference link.

Small Business Technology 

Basic Links 

(n.d.). (03/11/2013). Why businesses need information machines. eternalsunshineoftheismind. .wordpress.com. Reference link

Johnson, J. (2021). 8 Free tech tools every startup needs. uschamber.com. Reference link

Advanced Links 

Johnson, R. (12/09/2021). Use technology to improve your small business. smallbiztechnology.com. Reference link

Sutherland, C. (12/18/2021). How small businesses can use technology to help level the playing field. forbes.com. 

Small Business Data Analytics 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). The small business owner’s guide to data analytics. score.org. Reference link

Advanced Links 

Durcevik, S. (11/08/2018). Getting started with big data analytics and business intelligence for small business. datapine.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Big data analytics for small business. blogelectro.developerhive.co. Reference link

Richardson, S. (01/20/2021). How to get more leverage from small business data analytics. iterationinsights.com. Reference link.

Small Business Policy Making 

Basic Links 

(n.d.). (2021). Put it in writing: Your office policies and procedures. apaservices.org. Reference link

Wall, S. (05/08/2020). 10 Company policies every small business should consider. hrdirectapps. Com. Reference link

Advanced Link 

Daw, K. (04/10/2016). 10 Policies and procedures every business should have. linkedin.com. Reference link

Small Business and Intellectual Property 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (07/22/2021). 4 Reasons to protect your intellectual property. Law365.co. Reference link

Advanced Link 

(n.d.). (04/04/2016). Copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets. spencepc.com. Reference link

Small Business Employer Healthcare Plan for Employees 

Basic Links 

(n.d.). (2021). Health insurance for your business and employees. healthcare.gov. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Affordable health insurance Florida small business and workers. sba.gov.

Advanced Link 

(n.d.). (2021). Health insurance for businesses. healthcare.gov. Reference link

Small Business Payroll Methods 

Basic Link

(n.d.). (2021). Hire and manage employee. sba.gov. Reference link

Advanced Link

(n.d.). (2021). Employees: How to find and pay them. sba.gov.

Small Business Security-Cyberspace Protocols 

Basic Links 

(n.d.). (2021). Small business information security: The fundamentals. nvlpubs.nist.gov. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Cybersecurity for small business. fcc.gov. Reference link

Advanced Link 

(n.d.). (06/12/2019). Cyber security protocols that you should know. logsign.com. Reference link

Small Business Inventory Control Protocols 

Basic Links 

Schwarz, L. (09/18/2018). Essential guide to inventory control. netsuite.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (05/27/2021). Inventory management 101: How to manage small business inventory. squareup.com. Reference link

Advanced Link 

Zarzycki, N. (02/14/2020). Inventory management for small business: A simple guide. bench.co. Reference link

Small Business Accounting Systems 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). Accounting 101: 8 Steps to set up your business for success. sba.gov. 

Advanced Links 

Girsch-Bock, M. (09/09/2020). Accounting 101: The basics you need to know. Fool.com. Reference link

Small Business Employee theft 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). How to spot employee theft and what you can do about it. insperity.com. Reference link

Advanced Link 

Milenkovic, M. (09/24/2021). Ripping off the boss: 33 Surprising theft statistics. Reference link.

Federal Government Small Business Governmental Compliance Aspects 

Basic Links 

(n.d.). (2022). Understanding business law and regulations. sba.gov.  

(n.d.). (2022). Small business taxation information. usa.gov.  

Advanced Links

(n.d.). (2022). Filing and paying your business taxes. Irs.gov. Reference link

(n.d.). (2022). Business taxes. irs.gov. Reference link

State of Florida Law and Governmental Regulations 

Basic Link

(n.d.). (2022). Small business in Florida. usa.gov. 

Advanced Links

(n.d.). (2021). Florida business laws. findlaw.com. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Florida tax laws. Reference link

(n.d.). (2021). Florida consumer laws. findlaw.com. Reference link

Volusia County, FL Business Registration 

Basic Link 

(n.d.). (2021). Volusia County, FL business licenses and permits. Volusia.org. Reference link.