INTERNET ADDRESS: www.business.gov
January 8, 2007

CONTACTS: Dennis Byrne, 202.205.6567
dennis.byrne@sba.gov
Caryn Fox, 703-288-1620 X. 104

Business.gov Unveils State and Local Search Features Google, Web 2.0 Search and Expanded Content Top the List of New-Release Features

WASHINGTON - Business.gov, the official business link to the U.S.
government, has launched new search features and expanded content that make it easier for small business owners to find essential information they need to run their operations, including forms, licenses, permits and regulatory information from federal, state and local governments.

In addition to federal government resources, business owners now have access to over 9,000 state, territory, county, and city government Web sites providing information on starting and managing a business while complying with regulations from all levels of government.

Business.gov's new search service is a "mashup" - a unique service created by combining content from separate Web applications - of Google-based services that include Google's Custom Search Business Edition, Google Maps, the Google Search Appliance and publicly available compliance information culled from federal, state and local government Web sites.

The new service improves upon general search services by delivering results directly aligned with doing business in a specific geographic area, saving business owners time by getting to the right information more quickly. For example, if a user types in "business license Richmond, VA" the relevant results on licenses will be returned from the City of Richmond and State of Virginia Web site.

"The inclusion of state and local content on Business.gov means that small business owners can go to one website to find what they need to successfully manage their operations," said Nancy Sternberg, program manager of the Business Gateway Initiative. "Business.gov helps give small business owners a complete understanding of what's needed to comply with government regulations."

Business.gov has also expanded the content of its Small Business Guides which help business owners understand what regulations and programs apply to them, how to comply, and how to stay in compliance while growing and managing their operations. For example, if a retail business is interested in expanding its business online, the Small Business Guide to E-Commerce will provide guidance on legal and regulatory requirements the business owner must meet before opening an online store.

Business.gov's expansion follows the recent addition of a new "Permit Me"
feature, providing a single source for information on obtaining federal, state, and local permits, business licenses, and registrations for types of businesses most popular with Business.gov users.

About Business.gov
Business.gov is the official business link to the U.S. Government.
Business.gov is managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in a partnership with 21 other federal agencies. This partnership, known as Business Gateway, is a Presidential E-government initiative that provides a single access point to government services and information to help the nation's businesses with their operations. Originally launched in 2004, the Web site provides information that helps businesses comply with government regulations.