How the Net can boost your bottom line: Web sites packed with resources and information to help your business

Black Enterprise, June, 1996 by Ron Evans

Sure you've got a fast computer and a high-speed modem, but your Web browser is just sitting there in neutral. And the question remains: How can I find specific information that will benefit my business' There are various search engines and directories that can assist you (for more on search engines, see "Surfers, Start Your Engines," Techwatch, this issue). But for now, let us guide you to some business sites on the Internet that are rich in information and resources.

* FedWorld. (http://www.fed world.gov/). FedWorld is a one-stop location to find, order and have U.S. government information delivered to you. Fedworld arranges its public sector index by subject category (i.e., construction, trade, etc.). There are government publications and files you can download and read. Click on the various industry headings until you locate the government agency that you need.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov). You could spend a week at this Web site downloading and reading various economic publications that are online. It has economic information on employment and unemployment by region, prices and living conditions, the role of technology in the labor market and employment projections. There's a lot of good research information compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that will be useful for businesses and entrepreneurs.

* The U.S. Department of Commerce (http://www.doc.gov) has a Web site that contains useful publications and information on areas of the economy and trade. Hyperlinks will take you to other Commerce Department agencies, including the Minority Business Development Agency.

* Advanced Research Projects Agency's Small Business Support Center (http:// www.arpa.mil/ shir/). This Web site is devoted to informing small and disadvantaged businesses of the federal grants available for research and development. Specifically, businesses can learn if they qualify for these grants; and if they don't, how to qualify for the Small Business Innovation Research Program.

* The Edgar Web site (http:// edgar.stern.nyu.edu/) publishes the electronic filings that corporations are required to submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission. If you would like to know how a public company's earnings have changed in recent years, how much long-term debt the company is carrying or what their cash flow looks like, you can find it all on Edgar.

* The Black Information Network (http://www.bin.com/ homepage. htm) is a site that monitors and collects information from public and private sources. Select the Businesses and Opportunities icon and you will get information on the Black Expo, SBA loans and Section 8(a) business development programs.

Finally, here are a couple of excellent Web sites that are fee-based. You will need to set up an account with these providers before you'll be able to download or view the information. Take a minute to stop by them. You may find that the wealth of information is worth the price.

* Stat-USA (http://www.statusa.gov). For about $100 a year, you can tap into the National Trade Data Bank. This contains government collected information on trade, exports countries and products. It also lists demographic and socioeconomic conditions in these countries. There is also a section that identifies government procurement and lead information.

* Lexis-Nexis Small Business Advisor (http://lex-nex.openmarket. com/lexis-nexis). Lexis-Nexis is the giant of information. Everyone from journalists to judges uses this service to find an array of information. Almost every magazine published is stored electronically in Lexis-Nexis. You can select information that is relevant to your business for 95 cents per article. There is also a small business service that lists various businesses for sale with the contacts.