Discussion: Small Business Resources

Starting a small business can be a daunting task. However, there are an abundance of resources available that can assist an entrepreneur with initiating and maintaining a business. Websites, forums, and blogs can be excellent places to get help online, but you must be able to differentiate between the online resources that are useful and accurate and those that are unreliable.

To prepare for this Discussion, use the Internet to identify online resources that assist small business owners with the growth and marketing of their businesses. As you review the sites, select at least two that you feel have the most useful information for your particular questions and needs.

By Day 3

Post a cohesive and scholarly response based on your readings and research this week that addresses the following:

• What resources did you find? Post the links and describe the sites. Why do you find these resources beneficial for small business entrepreneurs? Highlight specific information you found useful.

By Day 5

Respond to two or more of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Suggest two additional resources for your colleagues. Indicate why you believe the resources will be beneficial.
• Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
• Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
• Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
• Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
• Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
• Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you learned and/or any insights you gained as a result of your colleagues’ comments.