Biz Tool Review: Business.gov Community Forums
by Christina Lee on March 24th, 2009
Though just launched last week, the Business.gov Community forums already look to be a promising effort to demystify government regulations concerning small business owners.
After registering, small business owners can post threads in a number of topic categories, ranging from business regulations to government contracting. Members have already asked about the legalities of affiliate marketing and whether one can make a business out of a hobby.
This being the first government-sponsored online community discussing small businesses, the moderators are consultants from the Business Gateway, a group of 22 federal agencies which include the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Community is the end result of efforts to utilize both Web 2.0 technology and expert advice, as stated in a press release.
While taking individual questions, the moderators may also post links to detailed how-to guides that they have written themselves. Not only do they cite specific government regulations, but they may also bring to attention Business Week articles, The Global Small Business Blog, or the Kauffman Foundation.
Plus, since outside financial experts and business advisors are also joining the forum, registered small business owners can look forward to receiving quite a bit of information and advice. Such members are marked under their username as “VIP.”
Bottom line: while members can expect additional features and resources over the next few months, the Business.gov Community is already doing well in making resources and advice both abundant and accessible.
For more information, e-mail the Business.gov team or visit the Community forums.