"Government Sites for Business  Development
and Information

Our tax dollars have gone to creating some good resources online.  This guide tells you where to find the information you need from Government Agencies.  Have you also read about Women Business Certification and Getting Government Contracts?  This section compliments those areas of WomanOwned.com.

WomenBiz.gov -  The premier Government-to-Business site for women-owned businesses selling to the government.  This site is the flagship of all government women-owned business outreach efforts.  It brings together in one site volumes of government information on Federal acquisition, and gives women-owned businesses direct access to the tools and government networks that will enable them to tap into the $190 billion Federal procurement market

The Bureau of Export Administration - If your business exports goods outside of the US, then this site will give you the information you need.  Learn about trade sanctions, export license requirements, and information about seminars and conferences.

IBM Patent Server - Search more than 2 million patents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office from 1974 to present.  For all patents filed since 1974 you can also see the images that go along with the application.  Also visit the US Patent and Trademark Office.

US Business Advisor - Visit this site just for the great search engine - search more than 535,000 government web pages at once with this handy tool.  I'd suggest that you be patient, though.  I had to get creative in my searches to find the data I wanted.

US Electronic Commerce Policy - This site is operated by the U.S. Commerce Department and provides reports that the government has written about e-commerce.  Of some value, especially if you are doing e-business with the government.

Women Business Owners at SBA - Greatly enhanced site with information about:  Business principles and practices, Management techniques, SBA Services, Market Research, Interactive mentoring, Individual counseling, Topic forums and newsgroups, Data resource guide, Financing opportunities, and Government contracting opportunities.

United States Postal Service (USPS) - If you are shipping in the U.S. or internationally, check out their rates.  This site has good data and is well designed.  The USPS is the best shipping deal going!

IRS Online - This IRS site offers over 500 tax forms that you can download and print for use.   They really did a great job on this site.  I think the IRS is ahead of many of the other government agencies in web site development.

Social Security Online - Everything you wanted to know about Social Security and how it affects you.   The articles here that you should read are:   "Social Security:  What Every Woman Should Know" and "If You Are Self-Employed."

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - If you own a factory or place of business where health and safety are issues, this site is a great place for you to go.  Learn how to improve the safety of your workplace, and download related articles.  I suggest this for all business owners.

United States Department of Labor - This is a great site for all business owners.  Read the Small Business Handbook, and other publications about topics like:  Employers' Costs of Providing Health Benefits, and Developing Child Care Resources.

What's Next?  Visit our list of the Best Government Agency Sites for business development and information.