Web site helps businesses with federal compliance

The Web site is managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with 21 other federal agencies.

The site provides information on several topics, including taxes, immigration laws, workplace safety, environmental requirements and other regulations that may be particularly challenging for small and mid-size businesses.

“The end goal of Business.gov is to cut though the red tape and make it easier for businesses to do business,” said SBA Administrator Steven C. Preston in a news release. “This Web site will help streamline access to information and reduce federal compliance barriers to helping businesses save time and money.”

According to SBA statistics, firms with fewer than 500 employees represent 99.7 percent of all businesses. These companies spend 45 percent more time per employee than larger companies to comply with federal regulations for issues such as taxes and environmental requirements.

The Web site will direct users to the appropriate sources for information to reduce barriers and help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes. The site was originally launched in 2004, providing information about starting, growing and managing small businesses, but the new focus on compliance was added to better meet the needs of the business community.

William Kovacs, vice president of environment, technology and regulatory affairs with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the new site “will increase regulatory compliance among businesses, particularly small businesses, while simultaneously reducing the time and effort spent in meeting those requirements.”