Business Plan Resources
If you're thinking about starting a business, you're already planning. The following resources will help you help yourself to develop a proper business plan. This is essential, not only if you need financing or investors, but for any business you intend to make your livelihood.

Business Guides/Directories

Links to Nebraska and other state governments' department web sites; Nebraska business web sites; nationwide business licensing directory...

Laws and Regulations
Links to Nebraska and federal laws and regulations addressing many types of businesses and business activities; legal information, self-help legal guides and attorney directories to help you find qualified legal advice when needed.

Employers and Employees
Checklists covering employer/employee registrations and requirements, federal and state; information for independent contractors; job and employee search resources; labor statistics.

Business Financing - Grants
All known public business financing programs including loan, loan guarantee and grant programs are listed below. If you do NOT yet have a business plan it is strongly recommended you write one before contacting a bank or program listed below for a loan. With the exception of the programs listed under the 'Grants' section below, there are NO grants for the general startup and operating costs of a for-profit business.

Taxes
Federal and Nebraska business tax registration (and other) forms, tax guides and toll-free hotlines to Taxpayer assistance offices in the IRS and the Nebraska Dept. of Revenue.

Incentives
Complete information on Nebraska's competitive tax incentives for business locating in and growing in Nebraska.

Non-Profits & Tax-Exempt Organizations
How to become a non-profit and tax-exempt organization; organizational management guides and resources to help your organization accomplish your goals and objectives.

Trademarks and Patents
Intellectual property can be a crucial business asset. Comprehensive information on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and links to qualified intellectual property attornies in Nebraska is provided here.

Government Procurement
Federal, state and local governments are enormous markets for a wide range of products and services. Here you can learn about those opportunities, find assistance in locating where you might be competitive and how to qualify and compete for government contracts.

Women & Minority Business Resources
Directories of women- and minority-owned businesses and resources.

International Trade
There is a world of opportunity in the global marketplace. Here you will find the tools to explore these opportunities, the rules to play the game and resources in Nebraska to help your business reach beyond the border.

Nebraska Maps/Studies & Resources 
A collection of the most frequently requested maps, statistics and research in and about Nebraska, ranging from detailed census data to industrial opportunity studies to... just plain interesting.

Other Business Resources
Selected resources that respond to questions we get that just didn't fit in the previous categories.