Anyone know a quality small business forum ?

September 6, 2006 6:28 AM

Anyone know a quality small business forum ?

I am looking for a quality online small-business forum where
they have experienced and knowlegable posters.

I am tired of looking at online discussion boards where drivel
is mainly posted. (not Metafilter of course!)

I am looking for a forum which discusses issues such as finance, marketing and strategy pertaining to small
businesses.

Any links would be appreciated...

posted by jacobean to work & money (2 comments total)

www.inc.com
www.richdad.com has forums, too, but I have not been impressed with their content at all.
posted by Ostara at 11:11 AM on September 6, 2006

Hi jacobean.

Through my line of work (federal government), I have been exposed to the Federal Government's Small Business Administration. In the world of federal contracting, the SBA ensures that small businesses are not overlooked as sources.

In many cases, the products or services required by the Government are reserved for only small businesses. That is, if you're a large business, you cannot compete for the contract. In other cases, large businesses are allowed to compete, but small businesses are preferred and chosen if it is in the best interest of the Govenrment. I doubt any such program exists in corporate America.

I am not a small business owner, but it seems to me that many small businesses get their start with government contracting. Visit www.sba.gov. Meet with the small business representative for your area, and see how they can help you. Another useful source is part 19 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, which is all about small business programs. You can find part 19 at http://farsite.hill.af.mil

These resources should give you a big push in the right direction. Good luck with it!
posted by paulino636 at 1:58 PM on September 11, 2006