Small Business Resources

Tips and Articles for Craftsmen and Artists: Some great basic info from an experienced craftsperson - articles about starting your own craft business, pricing your work, dealing with taxes, craft show checklists and guidelines, and more.
George Little Management's Top Display Hints: This professional booth designer gives great tips about planning your display - from creating an environment to using lighting and signs to your advantage.
Show Business: Give your Booth a Facelift: Another good article, showing before and after pics of a booth makeover.
Opportunities Grow for Minorities in Crafts: From the August 2003 issue of the CraftsReport.
What is Copyright Protection?
United States Patent and Trademark Office Home Page
10 Big Myths about copyright explained
99 Tips for Buying & Selling on eBay: Great tips from the Auction Seller's Resource.
eBay HTML Tips

Scanning 101: All About Digital Images: Not just for scanning! Tons of info about making digital images look better - the tips for scanned images can be applied to any digital image. Learn about image file formats, how to deal with screen resolution and printer resolution, how to brighten and sharpen your images, Scanning 201 give detailed info about using your graphics program's tools to improve your images. Great site!
Your Personal Guide to Digital Photography: From selecting the right camera to taking pictures to editing and organizing them - this site has it all. Product reviews, tips & tricks, and a free newsletter.
Photographing Small Objects: Learning to use a light box and other great tips.
Using the EZcube Light Tent: A TON of info about using a light tent to photograph your items - everything from jewelry and gems to beads, flowers, glassware and more!

Small Business Administration: The first place to start if you're planning on going into business - learn how to start, finance, and manage your business. Get forms and templates, connect with other entrepreneurs, and get guidance from experienced business owners.
EntreWorld: Resources for Entrepreneurs: Resources for starting and growing your business.
CCH Business Owner's Toolkit: Small business guide, downloadable forms & checklists, model business documents, and more.
Tips for Women - How to Get Financing - from Idea Cafe: Another site with tons of resources and information, from writing a business plan to marketing and managing your business. Business Grant Center, Small Biz Tax Center, and online community.

CIMTA: Cottage Industry Miniaturists Trade Association
IGMA: International Guild of Miniature Artisans
NAME: National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts
The National Miniatures Trust: Helping the miniatures community grow through better communication, education and a variety of community-serving programs.