Checking Network USA

1. U.S. Small Business Association

http://www.sba.gov

Maintain and strengthen the nation’s economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.

2. SOHO America

http://www.soho.org/

Find Out How SOHO Online can help you manage the challenges of working in a small office/home office environment. SOHO is for SME, small business, home office, small office, business events, conferences, networking, seminars, presentations, keynotes, event planning, and membership.

3. Internet Retailer

http://www.internetretailer.com/

Site complete with Internet Retail news, resources, experts and upcoming events in several areas and industries.

A second important area is marketing and PR. A few good online resources follow:

Logoworks

Quality logos give your business an immediate air of professionalism. Even if your business is new or less established, a customer will often give the benefit of doubt to a company that looks professional.
Every business eventually competes with others. A unique and professional logo will help your customers distinguish your products and services and help them remember who you are.

Publicity Hound

Joan Stewart, publicity resource expert for small business and people that need advice with publicity design and background with seminars in U.S.A. available.

Meetup

Expanding your network. There are opportunities now to expand you current local business network to include partnerships in other cities or gain access to similar experts in your field without having to go there.

Google Adwords

Online Marketing. Numerous online marketing programs such as video, radio, banner and one of the best, pay per click. Pay per click has changed the advertising world and so has the fact that more consumers search for product information online and generations have grown up with Internet technology.

Mr. Des Marais has operated small businesses for over 20 years. He has been a consultant and held positions in some of the fastest growing franchisees in Canada. He is a private partner in http://www.usabusinessgrowth.com He has increased sales by 200% in 2 months for an herbal doctor; increased sales by 30% in 4 months for a major Canadian Big Box Retailer; 200% sales increase 3 times in a row for a service-based small business and helped several entrepreneurs develop and sell their business. His expertise is in the area of growth and business development. He has also been involved in developing business chapters. In terms of Business Development and mentoring Mr. Des Marais has volunteered with S.E.E.D.S mentorship review committee, ACE, YEA.