CONTENT/TEACHING OUTLINE
Unit B: Overview of Small Business
COMPETENCY: 3.00 Explain the legal environment of small business.
OBJECTIVE: 3.02 Describe sources of assistance available to entrepreneurs.
A. Explain the importance of seeking assistance. It is important that entrepreneurs become knowledgeable in many areas in order to successfully operate a small business. Most entrepreneurs do not possess ALL of the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in today’s marketplace. Therefore, it is essential that entrepreneurs take advantage of the abundance of support and assistance available from government agencies and private professionals.
B. Identify sources of assistance.
1. Federal agencies
a. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA promotes small business development, helps businesses secure government contracts, and provides assistance and advice on how small businesses can increase revenues and profits.
b. Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): A volunteer organization in which retired business executives share their business experience with small business owners.
c. Small Business Institute (SBI): Free counseling services provided by student teams at many colleges.
d. United States Department of Commerce: The Department of Commerce provides social and economic statistics for businesses as well as research and support for scientific, engineering, and technological development. It also issues patents and trademarks, provides assistance to promote economic development, and encourages minority-run businesses.
e. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC ensures that business practices in the United States are fair. It constantly monitors all aspects of business including pricing, competition, credit, and export trade. It makes and enforces rules that regulate trade and protect consumers.
f. Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS issues federal taxpayer identification numbers to businesses, distributes publications that explain tax laws, and assists with tax-related questions.
g. Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The SBDC is funded by the federal government and state governments. Usually located in colleges and universities, these centers provide counseling and management assistance to small businesses.
2. State resources
a. Department of Development (DOD): Each state has a DOD. This agency administers federal community development programs. The DOD provides assistance to small and developing businesses through a Small Business Division and Minority Business Development Division.
b. Workers’ Compensation Board: All business owners who employ workers are required to provide insurance that gives employees or their survivors’ benefits in the event of work-related injuries or deaths. This board works with employers to provide this insurance at reasonable costs.
c. The State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection Division: This agency issues permits for businesses involved in the processing, handling, storage, or distribution of food products. It also issues permits for public-interest businesses such as day care centers, schools, financial institutions, and employment agencies.
d. The State Sales and Use Tax Division: This agency issues identification numbers to retail businesses that collect and remit sales taxes. It also provides instructions for collecting, reporting, and remitting sales taxes to the state.
e. The State Department of Labor: This agency provides businesses with information regarding employer responsibilities in relation to unemployment insurance.
f. The Office of the Secretary of State: This office provides general business information in addition to information and forms used for incorporation. It also provides forms used to register state trademarks and business names.
3. Local/community resources
a. Chambers of Commerce: The purpose of these organizations is to stimulate local economic growth. They provide information about the local economy, business trends, and business needs of the community.
b. Colleges, universities, and technical schools: These educational institutions offer educational training and research support.
c. Licensing and Permit Offices: These offices offer assistance and support when obtaining business licenses.
d. County Health Departments: These departments will provide information on local health and safety regulations.
e. County Extension Services: These agencies are good resources for agricultural businesses.
4. Professional services
a. Attorneys: Attorneys make sure that business owners follow the proper procedures in all legal aspects of the business operation. They provide important information about business owners’ rights, the best legal structure for a business, protecting assets, preventing legal action, obtaining patents and trademarks, and tax and business legislation.
b. Accountants: Accountants assist business owners in designing and maintaining bookkeeping systems. They also provide planning and management advice and make recommendations on how to minimize tax liability.
c. Insurance agents: Insurance agents inform business owners of insurance requirements and regulations. They help business owners determine how to obtain adequate insurance coverage at the lowest cost.
Small Business Entrepreneurship
B-35