FEDERAL

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance -- Summary of federal programs that provide grants, loans, loan guarantees, services, information, scholarships, training, and insurance to the American public.

CBDNet (Commerce Business Daily) -- U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Government Printing Office free electronic version of the Commerce Business Daily.

Funding Opportunities (pdf) -- U.S. EPA State and Local Capacity Building Branch April 2004 directory of funding opportunities for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental protection assistance programs.

Inventions and Innovation Program -- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program providing financial assistance at two levels (up to $40,000 or up to $100,000) for establishing technical performance and conducting early development of innovative ideas and inventions.  Ideas that have a significant energy savings impact and future commercial market potential are targeted through a competitive solicitation process.  Also offers technical guidance and commercialization support to successful applicants.

National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)- Solicitations and Business Opportunities -- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) FETC solicitations listing.

National Research Initiative (NRI) Competitive Grants Program -- U.S. Department of Agriculture information on the FY2000 National Research Initiative Competitive Grants program.  A wide area of topics will be supported, including, for example, improved utilization of wood and wood fiber, agricultural systems, and agricultural research ($111M is available).

Recycling Market Development -- U.S. EPA program to help locate capital to establish or expand recycling, processing, and manufacturing operations.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) -- Awards federal grants for research and development of pollution control technologies to small high-technology firms.

STAR Grants and Cooperative Agreements -- Awards grants to universities and other not-for-profit research institutions to help forge solutions to environmental problems.  Funding levels vary depending on the solicitation and research area (between $75,000 to $500,000 per year).

Technology Services Programs and Services (NIST) -- Provides U.S. industry and trade, government and public, with measurements, standards, and information services that increase competitiveness and facilitate trade promoting innovation, improving quality, reducing cost, promoting the use and adoption of U.S. standards, measurement practices and technology by important trading partners, and overcoming barriers to trade.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Idaho Operations Office, Contracts, Solicitations & Financial Assistance -- Official medium for U.S. DOE, Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID) solicitation postings.

U.S. DOE - Procurement and Acquisition -- U.S. DOE's central management organization provides information in project and acquisition management.  Topics include regulations, policy and guidance, reports, special topics, contract management, and human resources management.

U.S. EPA Environmental Finance Program -- Provides financial technical assistance to the regulated community for environmental projects.

U.S. EPA-Grants and Fellowship Information -- Provides links to grant programs available through the U.S. EPA.

U.S. EPA Office of Acquisition Management (OAM)'s Contracting with EPA -- Provides business opportunities, EPA acquisition resources, EPA procurement policies, and other items of interest, including small business opportunities.

U.S. EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) - Grants and Funding -- Provides information on pollution prevention grants and funding available through U.S. EPA.

U.S. Small Business Administration: Financing Your Business -- Provides loans and venture capital financing by working with intermediaries, banks, and other lending institutions through a variety of programs.

U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) -- Independent federal agency that helps American companies develop commercial opportunities in emerging markets overseas.  Provides funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance.

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STATE

List of Small Business Development Centers by State (Contact Information)

DELAWARE

Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) -- DEDO's mission is to enhance the quality of life in Delaware by facilitating the creation and retention of quality jobs.  The office is divided into five areas:  business development, workforce development, financial sector development and programs, business research, and communications.

Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) -- Nationwide network of not-for-profit centers that provide small- and medium-sized manufacturers with financial help-assessment, assistance, grant assistance, and family transition planning.

The Delaware Small Business Development Center -- Helps entrepreneurs to grow and manage their small business by providing them access to business information, training, and counseling.  Information is provided by the Business Information Center on finance, management, personnel, and more.

SCORE of Delaware -- Non-profit organization sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration to help Delaware entrepreneurs with business start-ups and expansions.  Provides free one-on-one counseling, mentors with continuing assistance, and provides detailed, practical business information through workshops.

Wilmington Women in Business -- Resource/support group for professional women in the region.  Serves the Brandywine Valley region, an area that includes Northern Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Northeastern Maryland, and Southern New Jersey.

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

There are no web sites available at this time.

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MARYLAND

Central Maryland Region Small Business Development Center (SBDC) -- Provides comprehensive  management and technical assistance to businesses in Carroll, Harford, Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery Counties.  Services include:  business plan development, financial projections, business structuring, assistance with loan applications, market planning and research, strategic planning, resources, and accounting systems.  Located at Towson University.

Maryland Chamber of Commerce -- Statewide business advocacy organization consisting mainly of small- and medium-sized businesses.  Provides links to state government, federal government, and non-government resources.

Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development -- Supports the creation of jobs and enhancement of the state's economy through the attraction and expansion of business in Maryland, providing site selection assistance to domestic and international firms and assisting existing industry.  The Investment Financing Programs provide for direct investment in technology-driven Maryland-based companies through three programs--the Challenge Investment Program, the Enterprise Investment Fund, and the Maryland Capital Venture Trust.

Maryland Environmental Service -- Assists with financing, including the use of revenue bonds, certificates of participation, and equipment financing.

Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) -- Offers help through four programs for small businesses:  Contract Financing Program and Loan Guaranty Program for businesses owned 70% or more by socially and economically disadvantaged persons, Surety Bond Program for independently owned small businesses, and Equity Participation Investment Program for technology-based businesses owned 70% or more by disabled, socially or economically disadvantaged persons.

Maryland Small Business Development Center - Eastern Region -- Provides counseling, training, and technical assistance to businesses in Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester Counties.

Maryland SBDC Network -- The Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) assists entrepreneurs to establish, manage, and expand their businesses by applying the latest technology and proven methods to counseling, training, technical assistance, research, and other specialized services.

Maryland Small Business Development Center -- Provides comprehensive management and technical assistance to small businesses.  Information is provided on writing a business plan, financing, staff, starting your business, home-based business, expanding your business, courses, yellow pages, minorities/women, offices, and links.

Maryland Technology Development Corporation - Incubator Development Fund -- The Incubator Development Fund is designed to develop and grow technology-oriented business incubators around the state.  TEDCO provides matching funds to qualified groups interested in developing incubator programs.  This seed funding is designed to leverage other public and private investments.  TEDCO's participation also provides leadership and technical assistance.

Western Maryland Region SBDC -- Provides comprehensive management and technical assistance to the small business community in Allegany, Garrett, Washington, and Frederick Counties.  Counsels and trains aspiring and existing small businesses to resolve organizational, financial, marketing, technical, regulatory, and other issues.

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PENNSYLVANIA

Ben Franklin Technology Partners -- This organization funds programs designed to help in the establishment of technological businesses based in Pennsylvania.  Support is provided in the form of product development and technical assistance.

Innovation Philadelphia --  Non-profit economic development organization serving 11 counties in southeastern Pennyslvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware.  Working to establish the Greater Philadelphia Region as a national leader for businesses and talent. 

The Manufacturers' Technology Center (MANTEC Inc.) -- Private nonprofit organization, one of eight Industrial Resource Centers in Pennsylvania.   Affiliate of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).  Works with companies with fewer than 500 employees to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and potential service providers who can assist.

NewPA.com --The mission of NewPA.com is to foster opportunities for businesses and communities to succeed and thrive in a global economy.  They provide financial and technical assistance opportunities and funding programs.

Pennsylvania DEP Grants, Loans & Rebates -- Pennsylvania DEP Office of Energy & Technology Deployment provides a listing of grants and loans available to fund technology projects.

Pennsylvania DEP Financial Assistance -- Pennsylvania DEP Office of the Small Ombudsman provides low interest loans to small businesses undertaking projects (located within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) that reduce waste, pollution, or energy use.

Pennsylvania Open For Business --"PA Open for Business" is the result of the Commonwealth's goal to make Pennsylvania the easiest place in the world to start, sustain, and expand a business.  This web site gives entrepreneurs "one door" to access business information, explore financial options, and download or complete many of the important forms necessary to start and grow a business.

Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC Online) --The Pennsylvania SBDCs provide startup entrepreneurs and owners of existing small businesses with no cost confidential assistance and information on sources of available funding, preparation of loan applications, cash flow analysis, and strategic business planning.  The web site provides links to the 17 SBDCs located throughout the state.

Pollution Prevention Assistance Account -- Pennsylvania DEP and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) loan program that helps small businesses in Pennsylvania implement pollution prevention and energy-efficiency projects.   Provides low-interest loans to help with environmental regulations compliance.

The Reinvestment Fund -- Web site for an alternative source of small business financing in the greater Philadelphia region.  Financial opportunities include:  affordable housing financing, financing for community service organizations, small business financing, small business equity capital, and energy-related financing.

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VIRGINIA

Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) (Charlottesville) -- Helps businesses plan for and find working capital.

Hampton Roads SBDC -- Comprehensive small business (100 employees or less) resource offering one-on-one business counseling, management training and development, research and resource information, low-cost business education seminars, and networking opportunities.

New River Valley SBDC -- Provides counseling services to small businesses at no cost.  Services include:  business planning assistance, business evaluations, marketing assistance, economic and business data, financial analysis, loan packaging assistance, business financial referrals, business resources, and specialized training workshops.

Fairfax Small Business Development Center (Arlington, Fairfax, South Fairfax, Loudoun SBDCs-- Regional Offices) -- Provides business assistance and training to small business owners in Northern Virginia including business counseling, educational seminars, and workshops in a variety of business topics (including managing finances), and a business resource library.

Rappahannock Region SBDC (RRSBDC) -- Provides recommendations and assistance to small businesses through one-on-one consultation, as well as through seminars, workshops, and training programs.  Also provides counseling on financing a new or existing small business operation.

Southwest Virginia Community College SBDC (SW-SBDC) -- Offers clients free and confidential one-on-one counseling.  Assists clients in finding the best available sources for financing start-up or expanding businesses.

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority -- Develops and delivers effective financial products and services to increase employment opportunities and new investments.   Encourages the investment of private capital in Virginia businesses.

Virginia Department of Business Assistance--Provides business management counseling, resources information, technical assistance, and training to small businesses.  Also provides assistance in researching and approaching business financing sources.

Virginia Small Business Assistance Program--Financial Resources -- Provides information on available financial resources, including loans, tax exemptions, grants, and awards.

Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development -- Provides venture capital through venture capital firms for companies using Virginia Tech technology or those located in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

U.S. Small Business Administration--Richmond, Virginia -- Assists small businesses to start, grow, and prosper through an extensive network and resources and partnerships with other public and private organizations.

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WEST VIRGINIA

4C Economic Development Authority -- Assists companies in four county region in southern West Virginia (Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers).

West Virginia Development Office (WVDO)-Economic Development in West Virginia -- Promotes the growth of the state's economy through business start-ups, retention and expansion of existing industry, and the attraction of new industry to the state.  The office supports a strong international investment and export effort.

West Virginia Economic Development-Region 8 -- Assists local governments and businesses implement projects and programs.  Includes information  on the revolving loan fund, small business development fund, and various development authorities.

West Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) -- Part of the WVDO and funded by the State of West Virginia and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SBDC provides help to existing small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, including business counseling, seminars and workshops, and other services.

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NON-PROFIT/OTHER

Glossary of Risk Management & Insurance Terms -- University of Calgary web site.

Keystone Development Center -- Provides technical and research assistance to groups who wish to organize as cooperatives in rural and non-rural areas int he multi-state area of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware.  KDC provides technical assistance, coordination of resource providers, education, and access to financial assistance. 

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) -- Non-profit organization sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration to aid in the formation, growth, and success of small business nationwide.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) -- Quasi-governmental entities in every state created for the purpose of addressing the needs of small businesses.  These agencies have close ties with the federal SBA.

StEPP Foundation -- Non-profit organization that offers opportunities for organizations across the country to demonstrate the positive benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and pollution prevention projects.  Government entities (local, state, and national), non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other organizations are encouraged to enter project ideas into the StEPP Project Pipeline for funding consideration.

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