Check out the Business.gov Small Business Toolkit Google Gadget

Business.gov helps small businesses understand their legal requirements, and locate government services supporting the nation’s small business community. It is an official site of the U.S. Government. For resources specific to microbusinesses and home business owners, check out the Business.gov blog on Sparkplugging.

One certainty about running a small business is that each day presents new challenges.

Market shifts, employee issues, competitive threats, and regulatory requirements all combine to keep the small business owner on his or her toes.

Getting access to the right tools and resources to help you proactively keep pace with change can be time consuming and costly. The good news is that the U.S. government has developed a handy little Web gadget – the Business.gov Toolkit – that connects your business directly with government services and information that can keep your operation running and growing.

If you enjoy customizing your Internet home page with useful tools and gadgets then this one is perfect for you.

The Business.gov Toolkit

The Business.gov Toolkit is a Web gadget (powered by Google and developed by government’s Business Gateway partnership) that can be easily added to your iGoogle homepage or other Web site, much like an RSS feed.

Essentially, the gadget gives interactive fingertip access to government resources from the convenience of your home page.  The toolkit includes:

• A search field for information, forms, and government contacts (administrative and support)
• Access to topics of current interest to the small business community
• Access to a listing of all the licenses and permits that apply to you
• Videos featuring expert advice from successful entrepreneurs and small business owners

Download the gadget here.

More Gadgets to Come

The success of this toolkit should lead to more gadgets from Business.gov. If you have an idea for a gadget that you’d like to see, Business.gov is soliciting ideas here.

Other Small Business Online Productivity Tools

Other online applications from the government that can help you increase your business productivity include:

• Grants and Loan Tool – This online tool matches your business to available government financing options.
• Permit Me Tool – Find out which permits and licenses your business needs with this handy tool.
• Business Search Engine – Connect to the right government information easily, from regulatory forms to financial and technical assistance programs, without visiting multiple agency Web sites.