If you are looking to start or expand a business in Mississippi, or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there are a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.

While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a wide range of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as solutions live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these places:

1. State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
3. Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
4. Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with assistance from Mississippi's Small Business Development Centers

The Mississippi Small Business Development Centers network (MSBDC) offers a variety of specialized services for small business. Areas of expertise include international trade, technology transfer, and inventor assistance.

I recommend: Find a center on this list of MSBDC locations.

Ask for free business expert advice

Mississippi's Small Business Administration hosts one-on-one counseling from the Service Corps of Retired Executives. Women entrepreneurs can seek similar assistance from the SBA's network of more than 60 Women's Business Centers.

I recommend: Get information and advice from Missouri's SBA page.

Read online about business basics

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) publishes the Entrepreneurs Tool Kit, a must-read guide for small business owners.

I recommend: View the manuals; the four-part sections cover the basics, from preparing a business plan to filing proper state and local tax forms.

Research your potential community

The MDA also produces a free database called Community Profiles, which gives detailed information and statistics on every city and county. You can review labor force, average wages, employment rates and more.

I recommend: Access the database.

Learn about available financing and incentives

Mississippi administers more than 20 loan and grant programs to assist all types of small businesses. Tax incentive packages can be tailored for specific projects based upon industry type, business location and number of jobs created.

I recommend: To learn more, visit Mississippi.org and click on the Tax Credits and Incentives banner.

Take advantage of special tax incentives

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the federal government passed the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005, which provides federal tax incentives for more than half of Mississippi's counties.

I recommend: Learn how small businesses may benefit at Mississippi.org.

Participate in state and local projects

The Mississippi Procurement Center helps state businesses obtain federal, state and local government contracts.

I recommend: Check out the free service at Mscpc.com.

Take advantage of assistance for minority-owned businesses

Mississippi minority-owned businesses may receive special funding from the Minority Business Loan Program. Amounts range from $2,000 to $35,000 and may be used to acquire fixed assets like equipment or as working capital.

I recommend: Find out more about possible special minority funding.

SCORE more free help for your biz

SCORE, 'Counselors to America's small business' is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.

I recommend: SCORE's Mississippi office: Biloxi - Gulfcoast SCORE.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
• •  Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
• •  Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
• •  The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
• •  Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.