Start with assistance from Mississippi's Small Business Development Centers

The Mississippi Small Business Development Centers network (MSBDC) offers a variety of specialized services for small business. Areas of expertise include international trade, technology transfer, and inventor assistance.

I recommend: Find a center on this list of MSBDC locations.

Ask for free business expert advice

Mississippi's Small Business Administration hosts one-on-one counseling from the Service Corps of Retired Executives. Women entrepreneurs can seek similar assistance from the SBA's network of more than 60 Women's Business Centers.

I recommend: Get information and advice from Missouri's SBA page.

Read online about business basics

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) publishes the Entrepreneurs Tool Kit, a must-read guide for small business owners.

I recommend: View the manuals; the four-part sections cover the basics, from preparing a business plan to filing proper state and local tax forms.

Research your potential community

The MDA also produces a free database called Community Profiles, which gives detailed information and statistics on every city and county. You can review labor force, average wages, employment rates and more.

I recommend: Access the database.

Learn about available financing and incentives

Mississippi administers more than 20 loan and grant programs to assist all types of small businesses. Tax incentive packages can be tailored for specific projects based upon industry type, business location and number of jobs created.

I recommend: To learn more, visit Mississippi.org and click on the Tax Credits and Incentives banner.

Take advantage of special tax incentives

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the federal government passed the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005, which provides federal tax incentives for more than half of Mississippi's counties.

I recommend: Learn how small businesses may benefit at Mississippi.org.

Participate in state and local projects

The Mississippi Procurement Center helps state businesses obtain federal, state and local government contracts.

I recommend: Check out the free service at Mscpc.com.

Take advantage of assistance for minority-owned businesses

Mississippi minority-owned businesses may receive special funding from the Minority Business Loan Program. Amounts range from $2,000 to $35,000 and may be used to acquire fixed assets like equipment or as working capital.

I recommend: Find out more about possible special minority funding.

SCORE more free help for your biz

SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.

I recommend: SCORE's Mississippi office: Biloxi - Gulfcoast SCORE.