Michigan State University Extension
Home-Based Business - 09159432
10/01/98
There are a number of government bulletin that are of interest to home-based businesses. Everything they offer is free for you to download, except as noted. All operate 24 hours a day, unless otherwise noted. The numbers given are for your modem to dial, voice number, as well as the Internet address and the FedWorld gateway numbers, where applicable. Your telecommunications program needs to be set at 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
FedWorld White house documents, a database of inventions developed in the federal labs, abstracts about international trade. A user's manual can be download in either compress (FEDUSER.ZIP) or uncompressed (FEDUSER.DOC) WordStar format. Data: (703) 321-8020; voice (703) 487-4608; Internet: telnet FEDWORLD.GOV or ftp FTP.FEDWORLD.GOV.
SBA On-Line Small Business Administration offers extensive information on starting and running a small business. A description of SBA services, local SBA offices, information on IRS programs, and detailed overviews of the small-business situation in the state. It also has freeware and shareware programs for small business, including a business-plan maker, a program for tracking service calls, and an invoicing program. Data: (202) 402-9600, (800) 697-4636, (909) 463-4636; voice (202) 205-7009; FedWorld gateway:40.
Labor News If you ever hire an employee, Labor News can help you comply with all the federal labor laws. Its files provide information about Labor Department assistance available to small business, OSHA publications for small businesses, regulations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, and minimum wage and overtime pay laws. Data: (202) 219-4784; voice: (202) 219-8831; FedWorld gateway:26.
Federal Bulletin Board This bulletin board is operated by the Government Printer Office (GPO). You can find such federal publications as: A Basic Guide to Exporting, International Mail Manual, and Selling to the Military. With a credit card, it's possible to order paper copies of government publications or immediately download electronic copies of bills passed Congress, FDA regulations, and other documents. Data: (202) 512-1387; voice (202) 512-1530; FedWorld gateway 22; Internet; telenet FEDERAL.BBS.GOV 3001.
VA Vendor's BBS If you want to sell goods or services to the Veteran's Administration, check here first. You'll find VA's Forecast of Nationwide Contracting Opportunities, VA telephone directories, listing from Commerce Business daily, and requests for proposals, comments, and quotes. Data: (800) 735-5282; voice (202) 633-7088; FedWorld gateway; 21; hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
GSA Acquisition Information Network Companies that wish to participate as contractors or subcontractors in General Service Administration contracts are the primary audience for this board. It provides information on doing business with GSA, news about recent contracts, and lists of GSA contractors with small-business contracting plans. The BBS has problems with noise on its phone line. Switching to a lower baud rate may help. Data: (816) 926-3387; voice (202) 501-1224. The first time you call, use the password TEST.
Economic Bulletin Board This BBS is an excellent source of current economic information. It contains statistical data, trade leads, and press releases from the Census Bureau, Federal Reserve Board, Office of U.S. Trade Representative. It also has export information. There's a per-minute fee for accessing most of the files. Data: (202) 482-3870 for 300 to 2,400 baud, (202) 482-2584 for 9,600 baud; voice (202) 482-1986; FedWord gateway: 13: telenet EBB.STAT-USA.GOV.
Census-BEA Electronic Forum This board, sponsored by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, provides statistical information on our nation's people and economy. If offer press releases for recent Census Bureau reports, descriptions of electronic products available from the Census Bureau, summaries of county business patten reports for all 50 states; state profiles from the Statistical Abstract of the United States, and reports on a wide range of industries. Data: (302) 763-7554; voice (301) 763-1384; FedWorld gateway: 64; Internet, telenet CNNBSS.CENSUS.GOV.
PTO Bulletin Board System The PTO BBS has copies of the front pages of the Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a list of all patents issued during the previous week and information about electronic products. Data: (703) 305- 8950; voice (703) 308-0322; FedWorld gateway: 116.
Customs Electronic Bulletin Board (CEBB) The CEBB has currency conversion rates for 50 counties that are updated daily; a list of Customs Service offices around the country that includes addresses and phone numbers, and Customs Service rulings. Data: (703) 440-6155; voice : (703) 440-6236; FedWorld gateway:47.
Source: Home Office Computing, September 1994.