Entrepreneurship

Review successful fundraising efforts on GoFundMe to see which ideas are gaining traction.

Review Google's trends in searching. Try the term "startup" or something relevant to your anticipated business.

Recent patents can help you get ideas!

A resource for more extensive patent searching.

This guide from the Small Business Administration outlines the essential elements of a business plan and how to make your business plan stand out. It also includes business plan templates.

Templates for each part of your business plan.

BLNC or Business Link North Carolina, a service of the NC Department of Commerce, is your access to an extensive network of experts who can help your business succeed. Everything you need to know from licenses, government contracting, business plans, tax information to marketing and access to capital.

Over the past few years, an interesting transformation has occurred in the business world. Social media has become less of an optional marketing opportunity and more of a priority. In fact, platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become integral parts of brand awareness, content distribution, lead generation, and customer acquisition strategies for businesses.

Though social media can be a huge distraction and often consume hours without any tangible returns, appropriate utilization can help build the targeted branding, recognition, and engagement to establish and grow your venture.

Social computing involves the use of online social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn to reach consumers in innovative ways. Businesses of all types are getting involved in social media in an attempt to reach to a new audience and reinforce their ties with existing customers