The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center provides you with the following links as resources for your small business. Inclusion on this list does not indicate the expresses or implied endorsement of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center or its funding partners. - U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Learn about the services, programs and special initiatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
- DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs mission is to issue business and professional licenses, to insure compliance with the Territory's licensing laws; and to protect the health, safety, and rights of the consumer through assistance, education and enforcement of Virgin Islands consumer protection laws.
STEPS FOR OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS:
(Information provided by the DLCA website)
- LT. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor through the Division of Corporations and Trademarks, serves as the registry for all corporate filings in the Virgin Islands. We develop the appropriate forms required to form a business entity, file all corporate documents as required by law and provide information to the public on a corporation's status, directors, officers and business purposes.
- VIRGIN ISLANDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Message from the Governor: My Administration is firmly committed to supporting economic development in the United States Virgin Islands. We boast a strong and rapidly growing economy that is evident with an unprecedented influx of business development to our islands on a daily basis. We are unique and our beloved Territory offers many benefits: We use U.S. Currency and have the protection of the U.S. flag and U.S. courts. Manufacturers have duty-free, quota-free access to the U.S. mainland with "Made in the USA" labels on many types. Our Economic Development Commission benefits help qualifying companies reduce their taxes and increase their profits and rivals any benefits package across the globe.
- DELEGATE TO CONGRESS
Learn about the areas of focus of Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen.
- VI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
The Virgin Islands Department of Labor's mission to administer a system of effective programs and services designed to develop, protect and maintain a viable workforce requires that we build partnerships with government agencies, businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders. It also requires a commitment to continuous improvement, reducing costs, improving business processes, technological efficiency, developing staff through training/mentoring/education, improving compliance with regulatory mandates and being a catalyst for positive change.
- SCORE - TEMPLATES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
These tools can be your first step towards small business success. Then, get advice to help you on your way.
- ELAWS
ELAWS stands for "Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses". This Web site was developed to help employers and workers understand their rights and responsibilities under the federal employment laws administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. The elaws Advisors mimic the interaction an individual might have with a DOL representative by asking questions, providing information, and directing the individual to the appropriate resolution.
- THE USPTO: PATENT, COPYRIGHT AND INVENTION
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the Federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. In doing this, the USPTO fulfills the mandate of Article I, Section 8, Clause 8, of the Constitution that the Executive branch "promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries.
- FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES
Franchise Direct abounds with franchise opportunities. Try our directory for a comprehensive list of franchises for sale and business opportunities for sale. Let us guide you to the ideal franchise partner. Our directory represents top franchises and businesses.
- ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Starting your own business is not just about having a dream. There are real steps to ensure your business a successful start. So what are all of the things you should consider when launching your new brainchild?
- HOME BASED BUSINESSES
What do Apple Computer, Hershey Chocolate, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the Ford Motor Company have in common? They all started out as home based businesses. Over half of all U.S. businesses are based out of an owner's home. Starting a home based business has many rewards and challenges. This guide provides resources that will help you learn more about working out of your house, starting a home-based business, and managing your business within the law.
- BUSINESS OWNER'S TOOL KIT
With an emphasis on problem-solving dating back to 1995, Business Owner's Tool Kit (www.toolkit.com) offers more than 5,000 pages of free cost-cutting tips, step-by-step checklists, real-life case studies, startup advice, and business templates to small business owners and entrepreneurs. The site also offers a monthly newsletter, up-to-date news topics, and Ask Alice!, a column that closely follows industry trends and provides trusted advice to inquiring site visitors.
- WEBSITE CREATION
Banner design is effective way of promoting your business online and offline. An effective banner design campaign can increase your leads dramatically. The success of a banner advertisement depends upon how effectively a banner is designed. Apart from banner design it's also important where it is placed in your website, blog or any where over the internet.
BANKING RESOURCES- BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO
Banco Popular Virgin Islands, a leading financial institution in the area, with a network of eight branches located in St. Thomas (5), St. Croix (2) and Tortola (1). In addition to three credit centers and three mortgage centers, it has electronic banking services available through its webpage, www.popular.com/vi . For its Business Services, click on the link: Business Services .
- CELTIC BANK
CELTIC BANK is a nationwide lender and leading provider of SBA and USDA loans, SBA 7 (a) loans and 504 loans, secured business loans, asset-based and factoring loans, small business loans, Celtic Express loans, real estate and construction loans.
- FIRST BANK OF THE VI
If You're In Business Think First.
Now is the time to become independent. If you are ready to acquire or expand your business, there are decisions to make and risks to consider. A solid business plan and secure financial management can help guarantee the long term growth of your company. At FirstBank, we offer you the most complete line of financing products to help your business flourish.
To receive information and advice about our commercial banking products, please visit any of our FirstBank locations or call our Customer Service Center at 1-866-811-2700. Link to this page: http://www.firstbankvi.com/?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=59&Itemid=772
- GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT BANK
The Government Development Bank (GDB) of the U.S. Virgin Islands was created by legislation in 1978 "to aid the insular government in the performance of its duties to develop the economies of the United States Virgin Islands," but it was not until 1997 that the GDB was actually funded, staffed and began its operations. Since that year, the GDB has provided access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses in the Territory.
The GDB administers and monitors the following loans and programs:
- Intermediary Relending Program , a component of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Micro-Credit Loan Program
- Farmers and Fishermen Loan Program
- Transportation Loan Program
- Economic Development Loan Program
- MERCHANTS COMMERCIAL BANK
Merchants Commercial Bank was created to provide focused, dedicated financial resources and solutions to the Virgin Islands business and professional community. MCB is a Virgin Islands chartered, FDIC insured, boutique commercial bank bringing state-of-the-art internet and traditional banking services to the Virgin Islands community. Based in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands but also serving St. John and St. Croix, MCB works with businesses and individuals to craft financial solutions that fit their unique circumstances.
- SCOTIABANK
At Scotiabank, we make it our business to help support yours. That's why we designed products and tools to provide you with the choice and flexibility you need to make your banking and financing more convenient. Scotiabank offers a convenient range of day to day banking, borrowing, and cash management solutions to help establish and grow your business. Stop by your nearest branch to meet with your Small Business representative about a financial package that can be customized to your unique banking needs.
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