If you are looking to start or expand a business in Pennsylvania or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there's 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 mountain 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 local solutions often live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these locations:

1. State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.

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

Get free help at the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers

Pennsylvania SBDCs can help you establish and expand a business through management and technical assistance programs for the aspiring and existing small business owner.

I recommend: For free counseling and information on how to start, grow and prosper in your business, start with the main PA SBDC site. See their complete list of consulting services.

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: These are SCORE Pennsylvania offices: Bethlehem - Lehigh Valley SCORE; Erie - Erie SCORE; Fairless Hills - Bucks County SCORE; Harrisburg - Harrisburg SCORE; Jenkintown - E. Montgomery Cty SCORE; Lancaster - Lancaster SCORE; Latrobe - Westmoreland Co SCORE; Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh SCORE; Pottstown - Pottstown SCORE; Reading - Reading SCORE; State College - Central PA SCORE; West Chester - Chester County SCORE; Williamsport - N. Central PA SCORE; York - York SCORE.

Let the Pennsylvania state business assistance team help build your business

The Team Pennsylvania Foundation has a slick Web site that delivers on a wide range of information and services for starting or expanding a business in the state.

I recommend: Team PA will help you find a location, hook you up with partners, pursue business opportunities and more.

See how the Department of Community & Economic Development can help

This is PA's lead agency for small business development.

I recommend: Check available business assistance programs at the Web site. The Pennsylvania Open for Business initiative has high goals: "To make PA the easiest place in the world to start, sustain and expand a business. Consider it a one-stop resource for getting a business launched in Pennsylvania.

Connect to a Pennsylvania small business resource portal

Discover hundreds of local programs offering free and low-cost help for starting and growing your business.

I recommend: The Business Utility Zone Gateway for Pennsylvania can connect you with a wide range of people, tools and resources.

Snag state-level help from the SBA

District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.

I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.

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.