Business Information Guide

Starting & Running a Business

  • Bplans.com
    Provides more than 500 sample business plans, templates for pitch presentations, etc.
  • Mid-Missouri SCORE
    This nonprofit organization offers free business counseling to entrepreneurs and templates and tools for starting or growing a business. Low-cost workshops and other services are also available.
  • Missouri Business Portal
    This government website provides information on business registration, filings, licenses and permits for doing business in Missouri.
  • Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
    Assists entrepreneurs with financial management, marketing, technology, and product development and provides a variety of training opportunities on starting or running a business.
  • Missouri Small Business Startup Guide
    The Missouri Secretary of State’s guide to starting a small business.
  • Missouri Women’s Business Center
    Provides resources and support for women seeking to start or grow their own businesses. Their offerings include classes, workshops, networking opportunities, individualized business counseling and microlending.
  • REDI
    This nonprofit public/private partnership provides business development opportunities in Columbia and Boone County and supports businesses at all stages, including entrepreneurs. Services include business coaching, training, start-up support, networking, work and meeting space, as well as specialized programs for minority-owned businesses and refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs.
  • SBA.gov
    The U.S. Small Business Administration provides guides on a variety of business-related subjects, links to state and local resources, a database of over 5,000 forms useful for interacting with the U.S. government, etc.

Financing a Business

Local Chambers of Commerce

Local Business Associations & Directories

National Organizations

Local & Regional Business Periodicals

National Business Directories & Corporate Information

  • Reference Solutions
    Includes 96 million U.S. businesses and 152 million U.S. residents; useful for developing lists of potential customers, competitors and suppliers. Formerly Reference USA.