Identification should include venture development and networking resources such as
- federal government resources (e.g., Small Business Administration, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Patent and Trade Office)
- state and local government websites
- university programs
- trade journals
- trade shows
- mass media (e.g., news sources, television, social media platforms)
- chambers of commerce and technology councils
- incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces
- professional organizations (e.g., National Retail Federation [NRF], Entrepreneurs' Organization, United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, National Federation of Independent Business, DECA, FBLA)
- online thought leaders (e.g., National Science Foundation Innovation Corps, SteveBlank.com)
- social platforms (e.g., forums, message boards, discord groups)
- like-minded stakeholders.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why is it critical for entrepreneurs to use outside sources of information?
- How can the various levels of government assist entrepreneurs with business start-up and operation?
- Why does the government provide resources for small businesses?
- What types of information can be gained from trade journals and trade shows? How can this information benefit a small business?
- What resources are available from mass media? From chambers of commerce? From national, state, and local professional organizations?
- What is the Small Business Resource Guide?
- How might large companies benefit from supporting new businesses?