Wouldn’t it be fabulous to have accurate business information at the touch of a finger? In 2003, businesses and residents spent about 8.2 billion hours and $320 billion filling out paperwork and complying with government regulations, according to 2007 report by the Small Business Paperwork Relief Task Force.

Now, new business owners can get quick and up-to-date information on permits, loans and expanding without having to call multiple government offices.

Business.gov, a Web site dedicated to business permits, has developed a tool that helps businesses determine their license and permit requirements. The site,  www.business.gov, has expanded the content and context of the information to include additional information including a small businesses forum, information on loans and grants and updated information on pertinent small business issues.

Business.gov is managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and 22 other federal agencies. Launched in 2004, the site provided information on starting, growing, and managing a small business. The recent retooling of the site is designed to better meet the needs of the business community under economic duress and become a ‘forum” for small businesses.

A highlight of the Business.gov’s site is the section used to find out about all the local, state and federal permits and licenses needed, aptly named “Permit Me.”

Permit Me provides a single source for obtaining federal, state, and local permits and professional licenses for businesses. Business owners just type in their ZIP code and type of business and a concise yet comprehensive list of all permits and regulations is listed with steps on how to obtain them. Permit Me allows businesses to navigate to a single destination and presents a list of licensing and permit resources across all the federal, state and local domains.

Business.gov has developed an on-line “small business community” where entrepreneurs can voice common business concerns and receive timely advise. Individuals are asked to sign in to blog and ask questions or voice their opinions. The Expert Insight and News sections feature timely articles on marketing in recession to advice on small business legal issues.

The site’s Loans and Grants section provides an easy-to-use Loans and Grants Search Tool to find a broad range of financial assistance programs for which your business might qualify. Additionally, the site posts business loan application checklists and SBA loans application checklists.

Business.gov, is not just for the start-up or new business owner. There is a section called Expand Your Business, which features extensive information on government contracting, importing and exporting, green business practices and emergency preparedness. There is also a section within the Expand Your Business that provides business data and statistics. Here you will find a collection of resources providing free access to business and economic statistics collected by the U.S. Government.

 Business.gov is an exceptional on-line resource for small business owners and start-ups looking to open and grow. For more specific assistance, check out the Napa Valley College Small Business Development Center Web site www.napasbdc.org or call 253-3210.