Economics Today and Tomorrow

"Sister Sue Sells Seashells By the Seashore"

Introduction
Your sister Sue has always loved to collect shells that wash up by your beachfront home. For ten years she's been collecting, and now there are boxes in the attic, boxes in the garage, and boxes in Sue's closet. Sue has thought about selling her seashells to sightseers who come to see the salty seaside, but she doesn't know how to start a business. Since your pickled pepper picking business has prospered, she asks you to give her some business advice. You get her started at the Small Business Administration Web site on the Internet.

Destination Title: Small Business Administration

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Directions
Start at the Small Business Administration Web site

• Find the "Starting" topic and click on it.
• Read through the site, taking notes as you go. You may click on topics in this site such as your "Startup Guide," "Business Plan Basics," and "Financing Basics" to complete your research.

1			What is a business plan, and what are its components? Why should a business owner have one?
2			From your research, you've found that the Small Business Administration does not loan money directly to entrepreneurs. How do they provide financial assistance to small business owners?
3			What other kinds of assistance, besides financial, can the Small Business Administration provide?
4			What government regulations can affect a business?
5			Most new businesses need cash for startup supplies. Use this Web site's tips on making an effective presentation to write a proposal to a local banker asking for a small loan to cover startup costs.