Four years ago, working out of his garage, James Thomas launched Black Entertainment Magazine (BEM), an industry trade publication. Today, Thomas and his staff of six work out of their Carson, Californiabased office and publish three community newspapers. Thomas attributes much of his success to the counseling and guidance he received from his local Business Information Center (BIC), a government-funded business resource managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). "[I used] the BIC as my first office, and gained the confidence and skills I needed to develop the business plan and secure financing to get my magazine started," Thomas says.

"Whether your business is big or small, if you're just starting out or you've been around for a few years, you can benefit from the services offered by one of more than 65 BIC offices in more than 35 states," says Ken Davis, manager of the Los Angeles BIC office.

BICs provide a one-stop location for information, education, workshops, and training designed to address a broad variety of business start-up and development issues. The centers are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and extensive small business reference libraries. There are videotapes on business planning, expanding an existing firm, or venturing into new business areas.

BICs provide the tools and advice necessary to evaluate and improve marketing and sales techniques, diversify into new product or service areas, price products, or explore exporting opportunities.

To find the BIC office nearest you, contact the SBA (www.sba.gov), or call the Office of Business and Community Initiatives at 202-205-6665.

-Roger Barnes