Small-business resources abound

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Starting a small business is always an option to supplement your income. But research what you're getting into. These sites may help:

• www.co.honolulu.hi.us
The city's Web site lets you search a database of commercial properties for lease or sale, and generate reports listing nearby competing and supporting businesses, consumer spending patterns, work force population and other demographic information such as education and income levels.

• www.sba.gov
The U.S. Small Business Administration has one one of the best sites for small-business resources.

• www.switchboard.com
To find businesses online, try the Find a Business feature of Switchboard. You can search by the name of the company or the business category. You can also look through a list of business categories and search by city and state.