Advertising / Marketing / Internet
Advertising WorldDeveloped and maintained by the University of Texas at Austin Department of Advertising, this is a comprehensive list of links to resources in all areas of the advertising industry.
Brandchannel.comInsights on brands and branding, including case studies of individual companies and in-depth papers on the subject.
ClickZArticles and statistics on Internet usage, consumer behavior, market research and marketing strategies for emarketers and advertisers.
E-MarketerResearch data covering every aspect of the global Internet, E-business and Technology.
Trade Show CentralLists over 30,000 international trade events. Searchable by industry category, date of event, city or country.
Agriculture / Agribusiness
Ag Marketing Resource CenterA service of the USDA, this is an exclusive, fully searchable web-based library of resources for producers looking for value-added ag information. Industries such as agritourism, aquaculture, biomass, energy, fiber and forestry are represented here. Find info on marketing opportunities, market and industry trends, creating and operating a business, directories for state resources, consultants.
Ag-Stats.comHistorical statistical data sets for agricultural industries and commodities that can be downloaded from the web for free.
AgMapPennsylvania Departnent of Agriculture online directory for the state's agricultural industry, with a database listing over 1,000 agricultural services and commodities based on location, product and service type.
AgNIC - Agricultural Network Information CenterInternet-based agricultural information alliance. Carefully screened, quality agricultural data and information including land-grant university alliances and subject-specific websites. Search or browse by type.
AgriMarketing.comA Doane Agricultural Services publication, this is a fully searchable site that includes the current issue and archives. An annual listing of communications agencies, the North American Ag Agencies issue is a special feature.
AgWebFarm Journal Media's fully searchable website includes a comprehensive electronic community for farmers, ranchers and agribusiness. Offers news, weather, market information and analysis.
American Farm BureauMembership organization representing farm and ranch families, this is the voice of agriculture producers and serves as an independent non-governmental policy making agency. Find a list of state farm bureaus here.
Lancaster County Buy Fresh Buy Local is a campaign organized by Sustainable Lancaster, the Friends of Central Market, and the Local Economy Center at Franklin & Marshall, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). It is designed to connect Lancaster County consumers and farmers, and increase the demand for locally-produced foods.
The mission is to assure that the agriculture community in Lancaster County advances its competitive position in the global economy through a wide array of new and existing programs that enhance the competitive advantages of local businesses and contribute to the success of the local economy.
Leading publication in the corn and soybean market. In-depth articles on production and marketing. Several free e-newsletters and special reports are available.
Doane Agricultural ServicesPublisher of AgriMarketing magazine and other magazines for the industry, along with custom newsletters and a book division.
Farm ProgressPublisher of 18 industry magazines that are fully searchable by individual title. Also includes a list of farm shows and weather links.
Farm Service AgencyA list of state Farm Service Agencies can be found here. Comprehensive information on FSA loans, including a farm loan chart with full descriptions.
Lancaster Farming OnlineThis leading Northeast and Mid-Atlantic farm newspaper is a one-stop site for regional farm news and includes a list of special issues for the year.
National Agrimarketing AssociationTrade association for marketing, advertising, PR and media professionals in the ag industry. Includes news, events, speakers network, links to agribusiness firms, marketing firms, media, associations and organizations.
The New FarmRodale Institute's site includes an organic price index, farming news and success stories. Click on Farm Locator, a new tool designed to assist consumers, brokers, restauranteurs and other farmers to locate the farm services they are looking for.
PennAg Industries AssociationTrade association for Pennsylvania's agribusinesses. There are a variety of educational topics, from food safety to legislation on the site, as well as a comprehensive list of links.
Works to improve the economic and social prosperity of Pennsylvania food and agriculture. PASA creates statewide networks, markets, and educational programs to strengthen the ties between consumers and family farmers.
Pennsylvania Farm BureauState chapter of the American Farm Bureau. This site includes a list of county farm bureaus, programs, legislative information and links to other agricultural organizations in Pennsylvania.
Resources for Small Food Processors and Potential EntrepreneursA service of Penn State University Department of Food Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, this site includes information on deciding to become a food processor, resources for starting a business, food safety, processing technology, testing labs, equipment and packaging resources, direct marketing opportunities, farm alternatives, university assistance centers.
US National Agricultural LibraryThis is the largest agricultural library in the world. Search the catalog or article citation database free of charge via Agricola, the library's bibliographic database.
USDAUnited States Department of Agriculture website. Find information on agriculture, education & outreach, food & nutrition, marketing & trade, laws & regulations, rural & community development, natural resources & environment, research & services, travel & recreation.
Bpubs.comKnowledge to Business, K2B links to articles from the best web-based business publications.
Business2BusinessMonthly local business publication with separate editions for Lancaster, Harrisburg Metro, Berks and Chester counties. Coverage includes sales, information technology, marketing, management, economics and finance. Cover piece focuses on one critical industry or issue each month. In-depth articles on profiles of businesses, business leaders and management issues.
BusinessWomanDesigned for women entrepreneurs, business owners, executives and other professionals in the South Central Pennsylvania region. Each issue includes articles on management, finance, career planning, sales strategies, health and more.
Business 2.0Reports on the smartest, most innovative business practices for doing business in the Internet and technology age.
Central Penn Business JournalWeekly regional business journal covering Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. In-depth coverage in the "Inside Business Focus On" section each week. Two lists of top ranking companies in different categories appear each week and are compiled into an annual "Book of Lists". Free registration for daily news alert.
Conference BoardReports and articles, Consumer Confidence Index and Help Wanted Index.
EntrepreneurOnline version of Entrepreneur magazine, which targets the small business audience.
ForbesUse this URL or click on the "Work" tab on the home page to access a list of resources and tools for the entrepreneur, including links to the "200 Best Small Companies" and "500 Largest Private Companies".
Fortune Small BusinessArticles about and for small business, including links to special issues such as the "FSB 100 list of America's Fastest Growing Small Companies".
Inc.comOnline version of Inc. magazine, a magazine devoted to small business.
Industry WeekOnline version of the manufacturing industry publication. Of particular interest is the Research section, which includes data from their exclusive studies on America’s Best Plants, Largest Manufacturing Companies, 100 Best Managed Companies, World Class Communities and the CEO Survey.
Sales & Marketing ManagementWeekly articles on news and trends for building sales and marketing in today’s tough selling climate. Free access to monthly cover stories from the print version, as well as S&MM exclusive surveys on 20 Hottest Cities for Selling, Cost per Sales Call, etc.
HooversOver 44,000 concise company profiles can be searched by company name or ticker symbol. Includes a section of IPO information and listings.
Price's List of ListsRanked listings of companies, people and resources that are available, for free, on the Internet.
Thomas RegisterSearch for manufacturers and suppliers of thousands of products.
Online directory of employment sites that allows you to search for jobs by state and also has information on careers and salaries
U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on employment and unemployment and resources for jobseekers. Access the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Outlook Quarterly Magazine, and Occupational Employment by Wages and Area.
Offers a vast online and print network to help job seekers connect with employers. CareerBuilder.com powers the online job search centers for more than 1,000 partners, including 150 newspapers, America Online and MSN.
This is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education and is designed to provide information on high growth, in-demand occupations along with the skills and education needed to attain those jobs.
Pennsylvania workforce information for individuals and employers includes job seeker resources and career exploration tools.
Access the PA CareerLink website that is provided by the PA Department of Labor and Industry. This site allows you to put your resume online to find certain types of jobs that you specify and to search for job postings that employers have put online.
Salaries, ratings and reviews of over 18,000 companies that have been posted anonymously by employees.
Yahoo's job search resource includes information on resumes, interviewing, salaries and career tools.
Indeed is a search engine for jobs. In one simple search, job seekers get free access to millions of employment opportunities from thousands of websites. Indeed.com includes all the job listings from major job boards, newspapers, associations and company career pages.
Fax: 717-509-5617 Email: lrank@libertyplace.netCooperative effort to provide one-stop delivery of career services to job seekers, employers, and other interested individuals, and to provide access to employment, education and training resources. Ready2Work program includes work readiness, skills brush up and connecting with Ready2Work employers.
313 W. Liberty Street Suite 114
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-735-0333
Lead organization in Lancaster County for workforce planning and working with state officials in providing business with locally-validated labor market information. Arranges for a service delivery system that meets the workforce needs of businesses and the public alike.
Monster®, the leading global online careers property has changed the way people look for jobs; the way employers look for people; and the way companies connect with their target audience.
The Occupational Information Network system serves as the nation's primary source of occupational information, providing comprehensive information on key attributes and characteristics of workers and occupations. The O*NET database contains information on hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors. The database also provides the basis for Career Exploration Tools, a set of valuable assessment instruments for workers and students looking to find or change careers.
The guide contains wage and job outlook information for more than 250 occupations, interest assessments, tips for marketing yourself, sources of financial aid and contact information for Pennsylvania's public schools, PA CareerLink offices and selected state agencies.
Provides tools to individuals, large and small employers to give equal access to previously shrouded pay information. Tools include Salary Wizard, Job Search Wizard and Cost of Living Wizard.
View the Top 100 Hot Jobs List for Lancaster County. 20 jobs will be spotlighted every six months.
USAJOBS is the official web site of the U.S. Federal Government. It is a one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.
Provider of information and solutions for professionals and students who are pursuing and managing high-potential careers. Research jobs, salaries and sample resumes.
BigchartsSource for investment charting, including historical quotes.
Bloomberg Financial ServicesOne-stop daily financial information including current news, stock quotes, IPOs,treasuries, currencies, commodities, mutual funds, etc.
EDGARFinancial filings and registration statements to the SEC by public companies, including 10-Ks, 10-Qs and annual reports.
Financial TimesGlobal coverage of world business and analysis of financial markets, industries and companies.
Standard & Poor’sAll the Standard & Poor’s indices are included here, along with outlooks and forecasts.
Franchising
Search for the 500 top franchise opportunitiesby industry, ranking or name.
Browse opportunities alphabetically, by industry, geography, investment level, veteran-friendly, home-based, multi-unit, women-based. Franchise guide and news are also available.
Bureau of Labor StatisticsCurrent and historical statistics on Consumer Price Index, Producer Price Index, Consumer Spending, employment and unemployment rates, earnings. The complete Occupational Outlook Handbook, Monthly Labor Review and Occupational Outlook Quarterly can be accessed from this site.
Official business link to U.S. government. Over 25 federal agencies and 94 websites cover hundreds of regulations and other topics.
FedstatsProvides quick and easy access to statistics and information published by more than 70 U.S. Federal government agencies, all in one place.
FirstGovOne-stop shopping site for government information, from all branches of government. A "best of" compilation taken from all the sites of the U.S. government.
International Trade AdministrationWealth of information for companies wishing to do business overseas. Includes statistics, NAFTA rules of origin and comprehensive country information.
Although the SIC has been superceeded by NAICS, many business information resources still use SIC's. Access the complete list.
Trademark DatabaseSearch the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database of trademarks for free.
U.S. Census BureauComprehensive source of census statistics, including population, housing, maps, Census of Agriculture, County & City Data Book, Economic Census, County Business Patterns, construction industry, etc.
P.O. Box 124
Ephrata, PA 17522
Contact: Marsha Di Bonaventuro
Phone: 717-738-5060
29 South Market Street Suite 101
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Contact: Beth Wood Bergman
Phone: 717-361-7188
Fax: 717-361-7666
206 West James Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Contact: Marshall W. Snively
Phone: 717-394-0783
Fax: 717-394-0784
15 Marietta Avenue
Mount Joy, PA 17552
Contact: Stacy Rutherford
Phone: 717-653-4227
17 North Main Street
Manheim, PA 17545
Contact: Hollis Bush
Phone: 717-665-1762
7 South Broad Street
Lititz, PA 17543
Contact: Kelly Withum
Phone: 717-626-2044
Bplans.comGuidelines for writing a business plan. View free business, marketing, web strategy and advertising plans.
Biz Stats.comLeading online source for small business statistics, including useful financial ratios and benchmarks.
CCH Business Owners ToolkitComprehensive checklist of steps to take to start a business. The table of contents expands to display section headings and document titles. Click on document titles for in-depth information.
Dun & Bradstreet Small Business SolutionsSmall businesses can obtain credit reports for companies they want to do business with, manage their own credit, collect debt and obtain customer lists. There are no costs involved to search this website, however, there are fees for purchasing the reports and lists themselves. There are various subscription packages, all at minimal costs, that a small business can take advantage of. Comprehensive charts of D&B's fees and pricing structures accompany each of the services.
EntreworldEwing Marion Kauffman Foundation's highly regarded site combines links to the best resources on the web, with content written specifically for Entreworld by noted entrepreneurs and business professionals, for all stages of starting and growing a business.
Ewing Marion Kauffman FoundationThis organization encourages and promotes entrepreneurship, at all levels of success, across America and offers grants to entrepreneurs.
Findlaw.comGood source of legal information for the business start-up. Guidelines for starting a business, downloadable forms and contracts and a searchable directory of lawyers by state.
Mplans.comThis free resource from Palo Alto Software provides access to an excellent outline for a marketing plan, as well as sample plans and informative articles.
Although this site is geared towards the young adult entrepreneur, the information is relevant to anyone starting a business. Among the features are interactive quizzes and tools, checklists with links, success stories, a start-up cost calculator and a feasibility assessment survey to determine whether a person has what it takes to become an entrepreneur.
National Federation of Independent BusinessesLargest advocacy organization representing samll and independent businesses in Washington. Search the toolbox of articles of interest to small business and read about key issues the NFIB is lobbying for.
NOLOThe do-it-yourself law center, with a section devoted to small business, including a good legal encyclopedia.
PeerspectivesDeveloped by the Edward Lowe Foundation, this site is designed for second stage businesses and entrepreneurs, with information to help them get to that next level. Articles on marketing, finance, human resources, management and organization.
SCOREService Corps of Retired Executives provides mentoring, training seminars and online counseling to small business startups.
Small Business AdministrationThis is the definitive source of government information on small business. Guidelines and how-to’s for starting and financing a small business, FAQs, local office contacts, regulations, headline news, non-profits home page and disaster assistance are just several of the many topics covered on this site.
Small Business Development CenterPartially funded by the SBA, the SBDC provides free one-on-one business consulting and professional development seminars and workshops.
Small Business SchoolCompanion web site to the PBS series. Read television show transcripts and case studies of small businesses that the series profiles.
Welcome Business USAFree resource with checklists, tools and a comprehensive resource guide with links. Practical hands-on, how-to's and ideas for running a successful small business.
Working SoloHow-to’s and practical advice for sole proprietors, self-employed, home-based businesses, freelancers, telecommuters, and other independent professionals.
WSJ.com Startup JournalWall Street Journal’s site for new business start ups and entrepreneurs. The main feature is a searchable database of thousands of businesses and franchises for sale, which can be searched by location and category. In addition, there are feature articles on a variety of topics of interest to small businesses.
Small Business Administration
Small Business AdministrationDefinitive source of government information for small business. Guidelines and how-to's for starting and financing a small business, FAQs, local office contacts, regulations, headline news, and disaster assistance are some of the many topics covered on this site. Here are some key pages on the site.
Business OpportunitiesBasics of government contracting, including regulations and policies, size standards, preparing bids and proposals, etc.
FinancingBasic financing and eligibility topics, plus explanations of all the extensive SBA loan programs.
FormsFree downloadable forms, letters and guides.
Management for GrowthManagement, leadership, marketing, financing, strategic planning, technology and special interest topics.
Online ClassroomPick from an extensive list of free training courses and workshops in a virtual classroom setting.
PodcastsInformation and advice for entrepreneurs on various aspects of starting, expanding and financing small businesses. Each broadcast is under 10 minutes long and features interviews with experts from SBA and partners.
Spanish Language VersionOn the home page of the English language version, click on the "en español" at the upper right corner, or use the above URL to access the SBA site in Spanish.
State & County Organizations
Assets
237 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-393-6089
Assists would-be entrepreneurs of low and middle income in Lancaster County to realize their goal of self-employment and economic independence. The main focus is a rigorous, fee-based, 13-week training course that covers basic business principles, marketing, finance, management, operations, legalities, and taxes.
Base, Inc.447 South Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-509-1730 or 717-392-5467
FAX: 717-290-7936 Email: base@baseinc.orgBASE manages the Lancaster Entrepreneurial Development Program, which provides ongoing counseling, direction, mentorship, and technical support to individuals throughout the city and county of Lancaster who are considering startup or expansion of a business venture in the community. Fax: 717-948-6223 Email: pammartin@psu.eduSingle state technology development program that provides flexible financing and investment opportunities for technology-oriented businesses. Provides university-based support to new and existing businesses in hi-tech industries.
PA Department of Labor & Industry data on employment, wage, economic and career-related topics.
Fax: 717-393-1757 Email: cff@commfirstfund.orgThe mission of Community First Fund is to create economic opportunities and stronger communities throughout Central Pennsylvania with affordable loans, one-on-one business counseling, and business training courses. These services are provided to low-income populations and underserved communities. Community First Fund is a U.S. Small Business Administration micro lender. Fax: 717-293-3159 Email: edc@edclancaster.comThe EDC supports important economic development projects within Lancaster County. EDC is certified as both an Industrial Development Corporation and an Area Loan Organization by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They help existing businesses to grow and expand and also serve as a first point of contact for businesses interested in expanding or relocating into Lancaster County. S. Dale High Center for Family business at Hoover School of Business
One Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Phone: 717-361-1275
Assists family businesses in “preparing for tomorrow” and provides a special program of seminars that address and resolve succession, management, ownership, and strategic issues of family businesses.
Fax: 717-293-3159
County-wide business organization with over 3,000 members. To meet the needs of its members, it offers marketing opportunities, information, training, value-addeds, niche groups, events, business recognition, advocacy and workforce assistance, all with the aim of fostering a positive economic business climate in Lancaster County.
Fax: 717-509-5617 Email: lrank@libertyplace.netCooperative effort to provide one-stop delivery of career services to job seekers, employers, and other interested individuals, and to provide access to employment, education and training resources.
313 W. Liberty Street Suite 114
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-735-0333
Lead organization in Lancaster County for workforce planning and working with state officials in providing business with locally-validated labor market information. Arranges for a service delivery system that meets the workforce needs of businesses and the public alike.
100 South Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-397-4046
Fax: 717-293-3159
LancasterProspers Venture Communities is a comprehensive, sustainable program for communities, regions or states to accelerate the development and success of innovation-based growth companies, create jobs, and train and place job seekers
Franklin & Marshall College
Local Economy Center
P.O. Box 3003
Lancaster, PA 17604-3003
Phone: 717-291-3947
Fax: 717-291-4369
The LEC serves the needs of the Lancster community and the curricular needs of F&M students. It serves to meet the research needs of the community's economic development constituencies. A local economy atlas is included on the site.
Suite 162
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-873-9894
MANTEC is a private, nonprofit organization that works with small and medium-sized manufacturers to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. A staff of manufacturing professionals and service providers offers access to specialized programs and initiatives designed to help manufacturing firms successfully compete in a constantly changing marketplace.
Fax: 717-787-4088 Email: ra-dcedcea@state.pa.usLead agency in Pennsylvania government for small business development. Aim is to enhance the entrepreneurial vitality of the Commonwealth and build an environment which encourages creation, expansion and retention of successful small businesses. Visit the website for information on starting a business in PA, business assistance, financing, international trade, workforce development and more. Pennsylvania Open for BusinessComplete online resource for entrepreneurs doing business in Pennsylvania. Register your business online, access forms necessary to start a business, name your business and explore financial options. Resources include downloadable handbooks on many aspects of starting a business.
Pennsylvania State Data CenterAccess census data that includes population, housing, agriculture, manufacturing, retail and wholesale trade, governments, etc.
This division of Community First Fund is designed to provide training, consultation, loan capital and advocacy support for new and existing business owners.
SCORELancaster Chapter 16 313 West Liberty Street, Suite 231 Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-397-3092
Fax: 717-481-7637 Email: scorelancaster@verizon.netThe Service Corps of Retired Executives, sponsored by the SBA, is a volunteer organization that matches business management counselors with prospective or existing small business owners. They offer mentoring, training seminars and online counseling. Fax: 570-524-9190 Email: sedapta@seda-cog.orgFree individualized counseling, bid match services and access to resources that help companies understand and compete in the government marketplace. Provides marketing assistance and help with registrations & certifications, ongoing services and training in specialized topics such as proposal writing. Fax: 717-720-4262 Email: scschaef@kutztown.eduProvide assistance to start-up and existing businesses through classes and one-on-one counseling in conjunction with Kutztown University College of Business. The SBDC helps businesses through every stage of development, from business planning to marketing, to funding, to management. P.O. Box 42
Marietta, PA 17547
Phone: 717-368-0704
A non-profit network of business people, professionals, investors, and not-for-profit leaders who are committed to building a more socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable economy -- a local, living economy. ssbn educates the community on the benefits of a local economy. The community buys more local and environmentally healthy products and services. Publisher of annual Green Pages.
Team Pennsylvania Business ResourceEverything you need to know about business expansion or relocation in Pennsylvania, including information on the workforce, county profiles and industry trends, financing, economic base, real estate, regulations and permits, taxes and contacts.
|
