Research Guides: Project Management: Management & Entrepreneurship

Social Media & Startups

A Social Media Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs
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.
Does Leveraging Social Media Work for Startups?
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 Media for Start-ups
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

SBA Guide to Writing a Business Plan
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.
SCORE Business Plan Templates
Templates for each part of your business plan.
Business Link North Carolina
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.
Business Plans and Profiles Index
This index lists types of small businesses and a corresponding sample business plan, profile or book about the business with sources provided after each entry.

Research Guide for Law and Legal Resources
The business law tab is especially helpful for business information. This page also includes a guidance on searching the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for information on patents, trademarks, and intellectual property.
NOLO
NOLO has a section devoted to businesses, LLCs, and corporations. The articles answer such fundamental new-business questions as "How do I form an LLC?" and "How much should you charge for your services?" Check out the online legal forms section. It's free to register for an account, but there is a charge for many of the legal forms.
Douglas' Forms
Located in the Reference section of Hunter Library, and it contains various legal forms for both nonprofit and for-profit entities. The call number for this volume is KFN 7468.D62
Corporate Minutes Book
Forms such as the minutes of the annual meeting of shareholders and board of directors. This is an electronic book available through the library's catalog, and can be used by one person at a time.
Corporate Records Handbook
In it you’ll find forms for all types of corporate meetings and written consents, including shareholders meetings, hiring, appointment, tax, and business resolutions, employee benefits, stock dividends and issuance resolutions, and more.

U.S. Small Business Administration Business Guide
This site offers a guide to preparing your business finances.
AICPA 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy
AICPA guide on financial literacy topics.
SEC EDGAR Database
Search for key company information, including annual reports for public companies.