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OTHER SOURCES OF HELP AND INFORMATION

There are many sources of information available to the small business person, and much of it is free. Make it your business to learn who and what they are. These are just a few:

Chamber of Commerce - Your local Chamber can provide a wealth of business related help, including contacts with other business owners, seminars on a variety business subjects, plus data on a variety of businesses within your community. Check your local telephone directory for location and phone number.

Public Library - Your local library contains a wide variety of books, pamphlets, brochures, and statistical data on business at the federal, state, and local level. Check your local telephone directory for location and phone number.

Small Business Administration - The SBA is a federal agency established in 1953 to assist small business. The SBA provides a variety of services to owners or prospective owners of small businesses, including: management counseling, financial aid (primarily through local lenders), and help in procuring government contracts. The SBA has an office in Columbia, South Carolina - (803) 765-5376. In addition, the SBA sponsors or co-sponsors:

SBDC - The Small Business Development Centers are sponsored by the SBA in cooperation with the state of South Carolina and state universities. They provide free quality assistance, counseling, and training to prospective and existing business owners. Locations and phone numbers are listed on the inside cover of this publication.

SCORE - The Service Corp Of Retired Executives, is a volunteer group of mainly retired men and women who provide free, confidential, one-on-one management counseling to small business owners and managers and those who are considering starting a business. Check your local telephone directory for location and phone number.

SBI - Small Business Institutes are university-based programs, which utilize students of small business management classes to assist small business owners in solving problems. The owners receive the assistance they need and the students gain valuable practical experience. Contact your local SBDC office for further information.

Technical Colleges - Your local technical college offers an array of helpful business courses. Check your local telephone directory for location and phone number.

Internal Revenue Service - The IRS offers a variety of management assistance programs to the small business person. Local IRS offices sponsor seminars at regular intervals to inform business owners of tax filing obligations. For tax questions, call (800) 829-1040. For tax forms and publications, call (800) 829-3676.

State Department of Revenue and Taxation - The SCDR&T also offers a variety of information to small business owners. For tax questions, call

(803) 737-5000, or check your local telephone directory for a local office.

Professional Assistance - Choose professional assistance wisely. Some of the most commonly used professionals are:

* Accountant - An accountant can set up a pattern of

bookkeeping that is easy for you to follow daily and easy for the accountant to work with at tax time. Bankers and lawyers often know accountants who specialize in small business. Fees are often based on hourly rates and vary with the complexity and extent of the service.

* Attorney - An attorney can help in choosing a form

of business; draw up partnership and incorporating agreements; interpret contracts and leases; and counsel on legal rights and obligations. The South Carolina Bar provides a toll free legal referral number, 1-800--868-2284, that you can call for a referral to an attorney in your area.

* Banker - A banker can help set up your business

checking account, provide loan and other financial guidance, and help with credit card merchant services. It is important to establish a continuing relationship with a banker and keep him informed of the progress of your business.

* Insurance Agent - An insurance agent can evaluate

your insurance needs and set up a package to cover your specific type of business. You should talk with several agents, compare the coverage and costs of the insurance they offer, and select the program best suited to your business' needs.