Q: Where's the help to work on a business idea?

A: There are literally thousands of places to go for this kind of help, but one of the best starting places for thinking through any kind of business idea, or even an invention, is to contact your local Small Business Development Center. These are state offices that also receive financial assistance from the federal government and their main mission to help you start a business of your own and become successful at it. You don't even have to know how to spell entrepreneur and they will help you!

These offices will help you with marketing, management, public relations, finances, taxes, and they'll even help you write a business plan. You can contact your state office of economic development in your state capital and ask them for your local Small Business Development Center. It is not the Small Business Administration, and every state has them. You can find your state office of economic development by calling your state capital operator located in your state capital. Just call and ask.

(My books that speak to this subject best are "Government Giveaways For Entrepreneurs" and "Free Money To Change Your Life." The difference is that "Government Giveaways" has a lot more information about entrepreneuring only and "Free Money To Change Your Life" has more sources of money and help for doing other things like going to school or getting a better job. In addition, you should have "Free Money and Help for Women Entrepreneurs" if you are part of the surge in female entrepreneurs. If women have to choose one, choose this one. We will also have available soon a CD Rom with 50 successful business plans. Check the web site for availability.)

I hope this helps! Also check out www.FreeForVictims.Lesko.com for more resources!