Looking to start a small business? Contact the Small Business Administration at http://www.sba.gov/

 The city’s new Web page, www.phila.gov/business, is designed to make it easier by listing where you have to go, whom you have to see, and what you have to do to open or expand a business.

People who’d rather be running their firms “have had to spend a lot of time in the Municipal Services Building” figuring out city rules and practices, said Sara Merriman, director of policy for the city Commerce Department.

“We’ve now captured all of the city business information, the forms, the licenses, the permits, the direction you need to go, and we’ve put it in one place,” Merriman explained.

You still cannot apply or pay online, notes Kevin Dow, chief operating officer at the Commerce Department. Plans are to add a “much more robust user interface” next year.

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20091113_PhillyDeals__City_Web_site_making_it_easier_to_do_business_here.html

After loosing their jobs, one local couple decided to do something for themselves, so they looked into franchises and found one that caught their eye- the “Fun Bus”- it’s a children’s fitness center on wheels that travels around to different schools in a bright green school bus complete with instructors, gymnastic mats, and other fitness equipment. Co-owner John Geraci says there was a lot involved in the beginning, but the franchise helped him and his wife with the support they needed to get it off the ground. Of course, starting a business in a tough economy is always risky, but there is help available for aspiring business owners- the Small Business Association and the Women’s Business Development Center are both great resources that offer assistance. To contact the “Fun Bus,” you can visit their website: www.funbuses.com  or call 856-853-4BUS.

The Small Business Administration will be hosting a series of 9 events where local small businesses will have the opportunity to learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through presentations from representatives of different Federal and State Organizations. They will explain upcoming procurement projects funded by the stimulus funds and educate small businesses on how to take advantage of the projects. The events are all free and will take place in various locations throughout PA. For more information and locations:

SBA Announces Series of Small Businesses Stimulus Opportunity Roundtable Events