There are an abundance of websites out there and we definitely suggest a search on your favorite search engine, but, in the meantime, these are good sites to start with. For more indepth and specific advice, we've outlined some steps with web links specific to each step.

Small Business Development Center Listings by State

UMass Small Business Development Center
The best place to start. They couldn't be closer and there is loads of information. This was started at the School of Management here at UMass in 1980 and has expanded nationwide since then.

SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership
Information on grants for women-owned businesses, tips for running your business, contacts and more.

USHomeBusines Work at Home Directory
Do you know you want a home-based business but aren't sure what you want to do? This is a good place to start. Loads of information, resources and services for the already self-employed too.

Women's Forum
Another site devoted to women owned business. Lots of good advice on finance, printing, credit, etc. There is a search engine for other women owned businesses.

Start A Business.com
Geared slightly towards a web-based business. Help incorporating, purchasing/finding a domain name, state tax information and more. Registered with the BBB-on-line.

Womenswire.com
Compares starting a partnership to buying a franchise. Practical advice.

SCORE The Score Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Dedicated to aiding in the formation, growth, and success of small businesses nationwide. Articles, advice, business resources and more. Lots of good reading.

Home Business Magazine
Long listings of home-business opportunities, message boards, books and videos and lots more. And, of course, subscription information.

Monster.com
The premier job site. Some very good tips here.

Home Office Association of America
Offers a monthly newsletter, group health insurance, home business and equipment insurance, and other products and services for home office owners.

National Association for the Self Employed
Rather large site with legislative news, government links, news important to the self-employed and lots of good member benefits.

American Association of Home-Based Businesses
Practical advice on zoning, security and more. Listing of books that can help. Some benefits to joining.

Bizmove.com
Good, practical tips on starting your own business. Financing, marketing, home businesses, buying a business, mistakes to avoid, etc. Click on "Resources Director" and you'll get small business software to download, magazine and newspaper links, loan information links and more. This is a good site with more information than you could possibly need.

ENTREPRENEUR TESTS ON THE WEB
See if you have what it takes to start your own business!

Bizmove.com Entrepreneur Test
Short test that begs for honesty.

Innonet Entrepreneur Test Another good test. Seems very matter of fact and results were satisfying. Some information on starting a business but since the site is based in Switzerland some of it doesn't apply.

Ownafranchise.com entrepreneur test
Brought to you by ServiceMaster. Not much more on this site to see. The test is similar to the bizmove.com test.