Business Resources

The following is a list of business resources to other web sites that members may find interesting. We are always looking to increase the list of helpful sites, please let us know what you've found useful by contacting on24web by clicking here.

NETWORKING IN THE BAY AREA

» East Bay Women in Business Roundtable
This group has formed "to create a networking forum where professional women representing the diversity of the East Bay can come together." The site offer related news, schedules of events, online discussion boards and content from the group's newsletter.

» Entrepreneurs Resource Network - a non-profit corporation providing resources, seminars and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, start-ups and expanding businesses.

» National Association of Women Business Owners
Formed in 1975, The National Association of Women Business Owners is a national group whose mission is to "propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.” The group has two Bay Area chapters located in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

» San Leandro Chamber of Commerce
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce was founded 82 years ago when a small group of business leaders banded together in an effort to have a stronger voice with local policy makers. What started with four individuals has evolved over the years to over 1,100 businesses and individuals.

» Hayward Chamber of Commerce
Promoting the local economy for over 50 years the Hayward Chamber is constantly growing and evolving offering business and networking opportunities.

» Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
A volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization, the Chamber draws on the ideas, talents, energies and leadership of its members to achieve a united voice.

» The Women’s Business Exchange
The Women’s Business Exchange is about Women, Support and Community. As women, we have a unique way of sharing, understanding and respecting each other. The mutual support from our group empowers us to live our values, grow our vision and be successful in business. We all strive to live a life in balance, and wish to contribute to our local community. Meetings are twice a month in Alameda from 8:30 to 9:45 am on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. 510-749-9624; www.womensbusinessexchange.wordpress.com


WOMEN'S SITES

» Women's Initiative for Self Employment
Women's Initiative for Self Employment is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco serving high-potential, low-income women.

» Bay Area Business Woman News
A news publication founded with the purpose of providing news, current events and information to local business and professional women in the Bay Area.

» The Brain Exchange
The brain exchange is a monthly, open-ended brainstorming group for women. People brainstorm about relationships, in-laws, marketing strategies, entrepreneurial ideas etc. Membership is free. Meetings take placed once a month in the East Bay.

» Forum for Women Entrepreneurs
The organization's mission is "to accelerate women's opportunities to start, build, manage and invest in market-leading companies." The site features news and links to local chapters, one of which is located in the Bay Area.

» Office of Women's Business Ownership
Established by the U.S. Small Business Administration, this group boasts a network of women's business owner representatives in every SBA district office, as well as more than 80 women's business centers across the country.

» Wardrobe for Opportunity Wardrobe for Opportunity
A volunteer-run, non-profit organization, provides free business clothing and career support to low-income women so that they can find and maintain employment. Since 1996, over 5,114 women have been assisted.

» Women in Technology International
This site is designed to promote the idea of advancing women through technology. Its purpose is to provide a "results-oriented" worldwide networking structure, educational and leadership programs, and outreach to women at all levels-girls to executives.


BUSINESS RESOURCES
Resources for Starting a Business in California

» United States Small Business Administration San Francisco
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent federal agency established by Congress to assist, counsel, support and protect the interest of small business concerns and to assist them in their start-up and growth. SFDO is located in downtown San Francisco in the heart of the financial district. 1997 marked the opening of the Business Information Center and Entrepreneur Center opened directly across from the district office.

» Office of Economic Development, Starting a Business in Berkeley
This web site outlines the steps, requirements and procedure for starting a business in Berkeley.

» Procedures for Starting a Business in Alameda County
Alameda County Library - reviews what are the requirements for starting a business in Alameda County.

» California Business Portal - Guide to Starting a Business
A government web site that gives step-by-step advice on how to start a business in California.


Domain Name Registration and Web Hosting Providers

» Internic - provides public information regarding internet domain name registration services. Including a directory of accredited domain name registrars, report a registrar complaint, view a list of FAQ's related to the domain name registration process.

» Network Solutions - a trusted provider and the original registrar from the early days of domain registration.

» Go Daddy - domain name registration for as low as $8.95 per year.

» Hurricane Electric - local web hosting company (San Leandro/Fremont) - hosting service provider from $9.95 per month and upwards depending upon the size of your web site.

» 1&1 – domain name registration for as low as $5.99 per year and web site hosting for as low at $9.95 per month.

Other Business Resources

» Constant Contact – do it yourself email marketing.

» Emailbrain – web based software that designs, tracks and delivers html email newsletters.

» Vertical Response – build email lists, publish newsletters, manage email marketing campaigns.

» WebTrends – software that allows users to monitor, analyze and gain data reports for web site site traffic.

» Web Site Tool Box – add interactive tools to your web site without any programming knowledge.

» Blogger – offers you instant communications power by letting you post your thoughts to the web whenever the urge strikes at no cost to the user.

» Spam Arrest - Spam Arrest quickly and easily blocks spam before it ever gets to your inbox — no matter how the spam is disguised or where it comes from.

» Free Overture Suggestion Tool
Free tool used by SEO's to research keywords and their variations for optimization of web sites.


Stock Photo (Royalty Free and Rights Managed) Web Sites

» Getty Images

» Digital Vision

» Comstock

» Istock Photo

» Foto Search