The Small Business Administration is an independent agency within the United States federal government.  The SBA's mission is to help Americans start, build and grow businesses.  Their online resources can be accessed globally.  The SBA maintains partnerships with public and private organizations as well as a network of more than 1300 Small Business Development Centers throughout the United States (locations) that offers a wide variety of information, guidance and counseling to current and prospective small business owners.

SCORE is a nonprofit organization which offers small business advice and training to the American public.  It is dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.  SCORE draws upon a network of 12,400 volunteers who share their wisdom and lessons learned in business.

The U.S. Census Bureau is a source of quality date about the nation's people and economy.  The Bureau prepares statistics and publications useful in researching new business opportunities, including census data pertaining to retail trade, service industries, manufacturers, and state and metropolitan area populations.