DEMOGRAPHICS, REFERRALS, RESOURCES
Below you’ll find several links and useful information
that will assist you and your business.
SMALL BUSINESS COUNSELING
We are pleased to announce that we offer Small Business Counseling. Workshops are held at various dates and times monthly, and individual meetings can also be scheduled with Summit Medina Business Alliance (SMBA) business counselors Mary Ann Jasionowski, Jim Griggy and Brian Walters. Please contact SMBA at 330-375-2111 to register for a workshop or individual counseling.
The Center: The Ohio Small Business Development Center (OSBDC) at the Summit Medina Business Alliance is part of a statewide network of small business providers funded by local, state and federal resources. The Summit Medina Business Alliance advisors are Ohio Certified Business Advisors. These professionals comply with rigorous professional development standards mandated by the State of Ohio in order to keep abreast of current business issues.
The services of the OSBDC can:
Improve the performance of small businesses by helping to develop better management practices
Lead to greater profits as a result of better planning for existing businesses
Increase the success rate for start-up businesses
Enhance the economic growth of Summit and Medina counties
Counseling: The Summit Medina Business Alliance can assist your business through the maze of government regulations and administrative issues associated with operating or starting a business by offering no-fee, one-on-one counseling and information services. All counseling services are customized to meet the needs of each small business owner and manager, and all shared information remains confidential. Residents from other counties can contact us for the location of the center nearest them.
The Center also conducts group counseling sessions. These sessions address specific topics such as legal contracts, improving your web presence, and managing retail inventory, among others.
The OSBDC also can provide referrals to area business professionals who can help your business prosper. The center maintains relationships with local accountants, attorneys, and banks that are committed to small business development.
Training: The OSBDC conducts numerous training seminars throughout the year on specific topics that are important to local business owners. Because your time is valuable, most programs are completed in one session.
Seminars include:
IRS tax workshops
Small Business Administration loan seminars
Marketing, and more!
Small Business Orientation: Free seminars are offered each month for anyone who is considering the start up of a new business, or anyone who has been in business less than two years. Topics addressed in this session include permits, legal issues, financing, business plan development, and more.
MEDINA CITY AGENCIES
CITY OF MEDINA - New Business Information
CITY OF MEDINA - Application Master List
City Planning Commission and Zoning Department
Medina City Hall, 132 North Elmwood, Medina, OH 44256
330-725-9023 or 330-725-8861 www.medinaoh.org
Signs, Tax Abatement, population, statistics, demographics and business plan development.
The Zoning Department will determine if your location is zoned appropriately for your business
(Including home based businesses) 330-725-8861
Fire Department & Fire Prevention Bureau
300 West Reagan Parkway, Medina, OH 44256 330-725-1772
The Fire Prevention Bureau will advise on the type, number and location of fire extinguisher along with other safety concerns such as maximum occupancy.
Building Department Medina City Hall 132 North Elmwood, Medina, OH 44256 330-722-9030 or 8861 www.medinaoh.org/building
The Building Department will advise on building codes, permits, and the type of business permitted in your location and “Certificate of Occupancy.”
City Water Department 132 North Elmwood, Medina, OH44256 330-722-9081
Trash pick-up 330-722-9026 or 330-725-8861
UTILITIES
Electric - First Energy / Ohio Edison 1-800-633-4766 1-800-366-7899
Gas - Columbia Gas of Ohio 1-800-344-4077
COUNTY AGENCIES
Medina County Auditor's Office 144 North Broadway, 3rd Floor, Medina, OH 44256 330-725-9767 www.medinacountyauditor.org
The Auditor's Office is responsible for vendor's license applications, personal property tax and sales tax.
Medina County Sanitary Engineers 791 West Smith Rd. Medina, OH 44256 330-723-9585
Medina County Health Department 4800 Ledgewood Drive Medina, OH 44256 330-723-9523
www.medinahealth.org
The Health Dept. must be notified of new building construction and older building remodeling. Also is responsible for food service licenses, plumbing permits and inspections.
Medina County Economic Development Corp. 144 North Broadway, 2nd Floor Medina, OH 44256 330-725-9215 www.medinacounty.org
Medina County Planning Commission 124 West Washington St., Suite B-4 Medina, OH 44256 330-722-9219 - Population, statistics and demographics.
ADJACENT TOWNSHIPS
Lafayette Township (mail only) 6776 Wedgewood Rd. Medina, OH 44256 330-725-6515
Medina Township 3799 Huffman Rd. Medina, OH 44256 330-725-5713 www.medinatownship.com
Montville Township 6665 Wadsworth Rd. Medina, OH 44256 330-725-8313 www.montvilletwp.org
York Township 6609 Norwalk Rd. Medina, OH 44256 330-722-0185 www.yorktwp.org
STEPS TO CONSIDER: STARTING A BUSINESS
Review the One Stop information at www.ohio.gov web page.
Provides “licensing requirements” specific to the type of business you are starting.
This will inform you if you need a vendor license, and other state requirements.
Please review local requirements through the attached listing of information.
Select your “business name”, and make certain that it is available.
A domain name is for the internet only. Trade name registration files with the State of Ohio.
File the name and get it approved prior to printing your business cards and marketing materials.
Select your “ownership type” to fit the” risk” of the product or service you are offering.
You may want the opinion of your CPA and/or Attorney. The type of ownership selected will determine the documents that you are required to file.
When the business name has been approved, “open a business checking account”.
When the business name has been approved file your ownership documents.
Review the IRS publication “Operating from Home” to netter understand basic write offs and the use of your vehicle or computer in the business. www.irs.gov . The sample 1040C will help you see what business expenses are deductible and help in setting up your books. (This document is very helpful even if you are renting a commercial space.)
Secure “business insurance”, as your home owner's policy does not cover this activity. You may also need “product liability”. Contact a “business “insurance provider for this information.
If you plan to “lease a location” for your business, please contact a commercial realtor.
Work on a” written business plan” if you have not done so. See attached business plan information to assist in this. (Purchasing expensive business plan software is not required.)
Turn your ideas into financials by working on a “Cash flow Projection”. This will assist you in understanding the realistic “cost of starting” your business; validate your pricing, and the volume of sales needed to meet the annual costs of the business.
Will you need a business loan? www.sba.gov lists loans available to small business. These are processed by your local bank. The bank will provide the appropriate forms. Contact your local bank to meet with their “Small Business Loan Officer” You do not contact the SBA office for a loan, they do not meet with clients, the information and application is provided by your local bank. The SBDC can assist in the business plan development and financial projections at no cost.
Being able to access SBA funds and local bank loans for your start up or existing business is based on your personal credit history (as well as that of all owners in the business). You must be considered “loan able” by the local lender to apply for business funding. A credit score of approximately 680 is required by most banks. (No delinquent student loans, bankruptcy, excessive charge card debt or tax liens.) The local banks will require that you have home equity to secure the loan as your participation in the risk of the business start up.
There are no grants or free money for start up or existing businesses. Please be cautious of this misleading information. Grants are the funding source for “not for profit” organizations and foundations that are focused on solving social issues. It does not mean that your business is not making money! (Not for Profits are required to be registered as a 501C-3 to even apply for this type of funding source.)
Center for Nonprofit Excellence 703 South Main Street, Suite 200, Akron, OH 44311 Phone: 330-762-9670 www.cfnpe.org
This is a legitimate source of information on non profit funding and operations. They offer excellent classes (at very affordable prices) and training that is imperative to your set up and growth in providing services that focus on solving social issues.
STATE OF OHIO
1st Stop Business Connection Department of Development P.O. Box 1001, Columbus, OH 43216-1001
www.odod.state.oh.us/onestop 1-800-248-4040
Business name, trademark reporting, worker's compensation, state and\federal tax information, federal I.D. number (EIN) and unemployment information
STATE TAX PROCESSING
Ohio Business Gateway - www.ohio.gov
Law Line - Attorney Referral Services
Medina County Bar Association 93 Public Square, Medina, OH 44256 330-725-9794
Medina County Recorder's Office 144 North Broadway - Room 107 Medina, OH 44256 330-725-9782
Name registration and partnerships
Medina County Treasurer's Office 144 North Broadway, 1st Floor Medina, OH44256 330-725-9748
Real Estate Taxes
Ohio Secretary of the State Corporate Department 180 E. Broad Street, 14th Floor Columbus, OH 43215 614-466-2655 www.sos.state.oh.us 1-877-767-6446
Company Name Registration (Mandatory in Ohio)
Ohio Division of Securities Ohio Department of Commerce - 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215 614-644-7381 www.securities.state.oh.us
State Law - Any business who issues stock in a company must register securities prior to the sale.
Worker's Compensation State of Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation
30 West Spring St., 21st Floor Columbus, OH 43215-2256 800-644-6292 www.ohiobwc.com
Ohio Department of Taxation Akron District office, Akron Government Center
161 South High St., Suite 501, Akron, OH 44308 www.tax.ohio.gov
800-282-1780 Individuals 888-405-4039 Business'
State of Ohio Department of Taxation P.O. Box 530, Columbus, OH 43266-0030
http://tax.ohio.gov 1-888-405-4089
Internal Revenue Service - Local Office
Akron Office: Two South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308 330-253-7013
Cleveland Office: 1240 E. Ninth Street, Cleveland OH 44199 216-522-4048
Self-employment tax
Employer I.D. Numbers (Federal Requirement) www.irs.gov
Publications Available. IE:. Operating From Home
Show deductions for operations and forms for Profit/Loss.
State of Ohio - Department of Development P.O. Box 1001 77 S. High Street Columbus, OH 43216
800-848-1300 www.odod.state.oh.us
Secretary of State of Ohio - Corporations Department
180 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215 614-466-2655 www.sos.state.oh.us
Legal structure for your business
You may also contact your attorney
Ohio Thomas Edison Program
Department of Development, Technology 614-466-3887 800-848-1300
www.odod.state.oh.us/tech/edison
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services P.O. Box 182404, Columbus, OH 43218-2404
614-466-6282 http://jfs.ohio.gov.ouc
Ohio Bureau of Minors Wage and Minimum 77 S. High Street, Columbus, OH43215 614-644-2239
www.com.ohio.gov/laws
International Trade Assistance Ohio Department of Development, Trade Div.
77 South High Street, P.O. Box 1001 Columbus, OH43215 614-466-5017
www.odod.state.oh.us/itd Small business export assistance.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce 145 North Court Street, Medina, OH44256 330-723-8773
info@medinaohchamber.com www.medinaohchamber.com
Medina County Career Center 1101 W Liberty Street, Medina, OH44256 330-725-8461 Adult Education
www.mccc-jvsd.org
Medina County District Library 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina, OH44256 330-722-4142
www.mcdl.info
Other Sources of Assistance:
Summit Medina Business Alliance SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Akron Office
526 S. Main Street, Suite 813 Akron, OH 44311-2111 330-375-2111 www.akronsbdc.orgwww.odod.state.oh.us/edd/osb/sbdc
Offer Small business information, workshops and consulting at no charge.
S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
One Cascade Plaza, 18th Floor Akron, OH44308 330-379-3163 www.score.org
BUSINESS LOANS
U.S. Small Business Administration www.sba.gov (See detailed information listed below.)
Cleveland District SBA Euclid Ave., Ste. 211 Cleveland, OH44115 216-522-4180
www.sba.gov/oh/cleveland
The SBA does not provide consulting services.
The local SBDC is the counseling arm of the SBA.
They are guarantors of loans provided through your local bank.
To access SBA funding you must have a local bank process your request and meet the bank requirements of being a qualified borrower.
Your lender has all of the forms and will suggest the appropriate SBA for your type of business project.
A written business plan and 3 year financial projections are required by the lenders to approach the SBA for funding.
Please contact your local SBDC for assistance with the business plan documentation at no cost.
ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Registering a Business Name 877-SOS-FILE (767-3453)
Incorporating a Business 877-SOS-FILE (767-3453)
Surety Bond 216-522-4180X 222
Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce 1-800-621-8001
Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce 330-723-8773 www.medinaohchamber.com
The Medina Chamber offers a start up and small business the opportunity to purchase workers comp at a discounted rate.
Please review this option as a membership benefit. They also provide health insurance, and professional networking opportunities for a small business.
Medina County Career Center, Adult Education 1101 W. Liberty St, Medina, OH 44256 330.725.8461The MCCC offer business programs including a Small Business Management course specific to new business owners and those considering starting a business. Excellent information source. Check on other courses and classes from bookkeeping to computer classes.
ON-LINE RESOURCES
The information listed below is for assisting in your decision making process. The SBDC is not suggesting that you should pay anyone for information .The web pages offer free segments of information that clients have found beneficial.
GENERAL
FIRST STOP BUSINESS CONNECTION www.odod.state.oh.us/onestop OHIO BUSINESS GATEWAYwww.ohio.gov
OHIO SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERwww.odod.state.oh.us/edd/osb/sbdc
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONwww.sbaonline.sba.gov
GENERAL BUSINESS INFORMATIONwww.ohioline.osu.edu
ONLINE INFORMATION ON ANY TOPICwww.infoplease.com
NAME AVAILABILITYwww.state.oh.us/sos
WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERSwww.onlinewbc.gov
THOMAS REGISTER (suppliers)www.thomasregister.com
PRO-NET (contractor's directory)www.sba.gov
LIST OF PROSPECTSwww.findmorebuyers.com
U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICEwww.uspto.gov
IRS (free publications:Operating from home)www.irs.gov
FREE PERSONAL CREDIT REPORTwww.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
DEMOGRAPHICS / MARKETING
CENSUSwww.census.gov
REGIONAL BUSINESS HELPwww.voinovichcenter.ohio.edu/arei
TO FIND ANY STATISTICAL INFOwww.fedstats.gov
ECONOMIC / SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORIESwww.yahoo.com/business
BUSINESS PLANNING
BUSINESS PLANSwww.sba.gov/starting_business.gov
SAMPLE BUSINESS PLANSwww.bplans.com
U.S. BUSINESS ADVISORwww.business.gov
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSIONwww.ftc.gov
OWNERSHIP / CONTRACTSwww.findlaw.com
MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVESwww.manaonline.org
ADVICE ON HOW TO SELLwww.sellingpower.com
INDUSTRY STATICAL INFORMATION
NAICS (N. American Ind. Classification System) Codes www.census.gov
Classifications of all industries for research and information searches including suppliers.
RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL STATETMENT STUDIES www.rmahq.org
Information sorted by NAICS codes, Lists five-year industry historical data.
Gives Ratios.Excellent source for bench-marking.
Gives analysis based on sales levels and also by assets.
This information is used by the underwriters at the banks as a benchmark to approve business loans.
SOURCE OF DEMOGRAPHICS & BUYING POWER BY ZIP CODE
County Library.Population, buying power.Includes residential and business demographics
OSBDC Loan Application Assistance
Steps to helping your client receive the financing he/she needs to start or expand a small business.Business Plan Narrative
Business Plan 3 Year Cash Flow Projections and
Year-End Balance Sheet and Loan Application Form
Supplementary Documentation
3 years Tax Returns (Personal &/or Business)
Business Historical Financial Statement
Business Lease
Corporation, Limited Liability or Partnership Documentation
Equipment List (w/age and current market value)
Property Description (if purchasing available)
List of Accounts Receivable Aging
Full List of Accounts payable (trade and notes)
Personal &/or Business Credit Report (bank will provide this)
To help the bank, write a plan for the loan request explaining the following:
The Summary request - who needs the money, for what, how much, when will it be repaid, and at what terms. What is the collateral being offered and what is the equity being injected.
The business - give a description of the business and the owner's history in the industry. If the business is a start-up, what makes this business viable (owner's experience, location and franchise training, etc.)
The market- detail how you will sell your goods or services, and who your customers are. Review your competition.
The financial analysis - a brief description of the projections and what is to be expected at the end of each year both income and cash availability. The banks want to know that there is enough cash to service the debt and to have extra for the owner's income. If the business will grow, at what rate? What is the debt-to-equity ratio at the time of the loan and at the end of each year projected?
Collateral - list the collateral at current value. Most banks will take discounts at the following percentages: cash, CD's, mutual funds - 100%;
Property - 75%; equipment - 50-75% (depending upon age), inventory supplies - 35-50% (depending upon type). With a SBA loan, what is the bank's exposure at the time of the loan including the guarantee and the collateral? Who will be signing guarantees and what is their personal repayment ability (banks look for secondary sources of funding in addition to the guarantee).
PLANNING YOUR BUSINESS (START UP)
Cover page with business name, address, owner names, telephone/ cell, email.
The business plan is approximately 15 pages with financials attached.
1.Summary (The summary is the last section to be written then placed first.)
List business name, location, owners, and type of ownership.
Review what your business is and what you offer in goods or services.
Briefly summarize the owner's experience that adds to the business success.
If you are seeking funds: What is the total amount of funding you are requesting?
How will the funds be used? (Be specific).
How will these funds impact the sales of your business to make repayment of the loan possible?
2.Description of the Business
What is the name of your business? Is the name registered?
What type of ownership do/will you have?
Where is/will the business located?
List the products and/or services you will offer?
List the prices you plan to charge for your goods and services.
Will your business have employees immediately or in the future?
List any needed machinery/equipment/supplies/inventory for the company.(List cost and supplier)
List the items that you currently own that will be used in business.
Will you be leasing equipment or vehicles?
3.Marketing
Who will be your customers?
Include demographics (population, income, age, education) of your customers.
What counties or states will you be selling to?
What are your methods for making sales, how will your goods be delivered?
Name your competitors? (Review how you are different from them.)
Why will customers purchase from you?
4.Organization Plan
Who are the owners and management level employees in the business?
Include resume of owners, and list qualifications each management level employee.
How many employees will you have? What are their job descriptions?
Have you obtained all State/County/City licenses or permits required?
Who will do the record keeping, finances, taxes (name them)?
Will you be using an attorney (name them)?
Which bank will your business be using (name them)?
5.Financial Plan
What will it cost to get the business started?
What will it cost you to operate the business for the first 12 months?What sales volume will be needed to meet these annual operating costs?
Include a cash flow projection for year one in detail. (List totals only for year 2-3).
Include a balance sheet for year 1-2-3.
Include a projected business balance sheet (assets, liabilities, net worth)
Please attach Cash Flow Projections, Balance Sheet and Profit/Loss Statements.
For assistance contact:
Ohio Small Business Development Center
YOUR EXISTING BUSINESS PLANNING
Summary (Brief one page overview of the project)
State the business name, owners, type of ownership, and start up date.
What dollar amount have you personally invested in the business?
Review the products/services provided by the current business.
Overview of the business expansion.
State the total amount of funds needed.( Attach bids)
Break down the use of funds.At what level will this project increase sales to insure repayment of the loan?
Description of the Business
How many employees do you currently have, will this increase as a result of this project development?
What is the planned growth in sales due to the lease expansion over the next three years?
Describe the facility. Attach draft/drawings. Attach bids, and state providers of the needed services. Has this been reviewed by the planning commission or zoning.
Review the lease fees you will charge your occupants. How do these compare to other sq. ft. costs in the area.
Marketing/Organizational
Who will you target to lease the facility?
Describe the sales methods you will use to find occupants.
List your competitors? Review the available lease space in your area.
You must prove need for this facility in the area, and be specific about the type of clients you will seek to occupy the space. Include any interest that has been expressed, or agreements that have been secured for occupancy.
Who will be responsible for the sales and marketing activity for this business space?
Financial Plan
Include the business tax forms of the existing business, and year end financial statement s for the past three years.
Include projected financial statements for the business operation for the next three years. Include the additional costs of the expansion and the additional dollars of income generated from the lease space.
(Attach projected Cash flow, Balance sheet, and Profit/Loss statements.)
Attachments: (This will expedite your processing time with your lender.)
Each Bank has a personal financial form they will request that you complete
Three years business and personal tax returns of any 20% or greater owners of the company.
Financial statements for the past six months of your business operation.
Current accounts receivable and accounts payable.
List the equipment currently owned that will be considered for collateral.
Copy of the Incorporation.
Attach any related business contracts related to the expansion.
Copy of the purchase agreement, including legal/site description.
Copy of the contractors estimates, plans and specifications.
Copy of the current “tax” appraisal.
BUSINESS PLAN (NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
This outline is designed to assist you in the initial decision making and for the development of information to be gathered when processing the application for a 501C-3 non profit status with the State of Ohio.
The OSBDC suggests this information be included with the application documents to be filed with the State of Ohio.
1.Mission Statement
Write one paragraph describing the statement of purpose.
Explain the focus of service and overall intent of the organization.
A nonprofit “solves social issues” clearly state your goal in the mission statement.
2. Description of the Organization
Describe the specific population that you will be serving.
List the specific Counties your organization will work in.
List the address of the location you will function from.
Include demographic information on the population to be served.
This information should prove the need for your services.
List all services that will be offered.
What new services will you be offering that are not currently available in the county that you will be functioning in.
List when these services will be offered, i.e.: year 1, year 2, year 3
Will other agencies in the county provide support services to your targeted population? (such as counseling) If yes, state these services and name the providing organization.
3. Intake forms?
What client identification will be required at the intake of services?
Will your clients be referrals or service recipients from other organizations?
if so, which ones.
How will your organization validate the needs of your recipients?
What State or local licenses or permits must the organization have to start the project?
State licensing information is at www.ohio.gov , click on Ohio Business Gateway.
Name the Director of the Organization.
Write a statement of the individuals qualifications.
Attach a current resume.
List the salary to be paid to the Director.
How many hours per week will the Director be working?
Is the Director required to meet any State Licensing requirements through specific education, training, or certification? If yes, list this information.
4. List the employment positions that this organization will offer.
Attach a written job description for each.
List the salary to be paid for each job.
How many hours per week will each job be employed?
Attach job qualifications needed for each position.
Will you have an employee manual, if yes, when?
5. Who will be on your Board of Directors?
Suggestion: Do not approach “community representatives” to be on your board of directors until the organization has been established.
List the required areas of expertise that need to be represented by the Board.
Include the names and company of all potential Board Members.
Are any of the Board Members related to each other or the director?
Do you have Liability Insurance on your Board Members?
List the cost of this insurance, and the provider.
Will your board meetings use “Roberts Rules of Order”?
How frequently will the Board hold meetings?
How long a time period will your members be on the Board?
Will your Board be asked to financially participate in the set up of the organization? If yes, how much do you anticipate them contributing financially on an annual basis?
6. Where will the organization be located?
Where will your organization be located?
Does the organization provide housing? If yes, attach State of Ohio regulations for your intended housing. Show the amount of space required per resident.
What are the state regulations for the number of occupants permitted based on the square footage you plan to use for housing purposes.
How many employees must you have according to state regulations to supervise your resident services?
If housing is provided include house schedules of activities for residents for a 24-hour time period.
Include all house rules to be instituted.
If this is a service only, where will the location for this service take place?
Will the location of the organization need to be renovated?
7. Organization
Give name, company name, address, and telephone of the CPA.
What is the cost for your bookkeeping service or CPA to set up your books?
Who will oversee the annual audit of the organization?
What is the estimated cost of the organizations annual financial audit?
What attorney will represent your organization?
Give name, company name, address and telephone of the attorney.
What will it cost for the attorney?
Is the attorney a “not-for-profit” specialist?
8. Please review how funding will be sought for the organization?
Will you be soliciting funds or equipment/supplies for the organization?
Who will be doing the grant writing? What is their experience in this area?
How much money will be needed to get the organization started?
What additional sources will be used for funding the organization?
Will you be investing personal funds, if so, how much?
Attach financial projections, including:
Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Projections.
Three year projections are required by lenders.
Year one in detail and year two and three total only.
Assistance for NFP: There are no grants or free money for start up or existing businesses. Please be cautious of this misleading information. Grants are the funding source for “not for profit” organizations and foundations that are focused on solving social issues. It does not mean that your business is not making money! (Not for Profits are required to be registered as a 501C-3 to even apply for this type of funding source.)
Center for Nonprofit Excellence
703 South Main Street, Suite 200 , Akron, OH 4411
Phone: 330-762-9670 Fax:330-762-9678 www.cfnpe.org
This is a legitimate source of information on non profit funding and operations. They offer excellent classes (at very affordable prices) and training that is imperative to your set up and growth in providing services thatfocus on solving social issues.