Access to Capital Electronic Network (ACE-Net): This listing service for national securities offerings allows venture capitalists and institutional or individual accredited investors to find small, growing companies through a secure Internet database. Managed by the Whittemore School of Business and Economics, Univ. of New Hampshire.

American Entrepreneurs for Economic Growth (AEEG): Washington, DC-based lobbying group representing the interests of more than 10,000 U.S. entrepreneurs. Allied with the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA). Focuses on legislation related to capital formation, investment incentives, and other issues affecting growth-industry companies.

Connecticut Venture Group (CVG): This voluntary professional association supports investment by providing a network and forum for people involved in creating high-growth enterprises. Members include commercial and investment bankers, service providers, venture capitalists, public investors, and entrepreneurs.

MoneyHunter: The online companion to MoneyHunt, a PBS-syndicated TV show. Site offers informational resources, articles, networking, and more.

VistaWEB IPO: This investment banking firm offers online resources for equity capital funding and investment banking. Addresses expansion capital and investments in proprietary technology development for emerging technologies and small- to medium-sized companies.

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Better Business Bureau: Before working with an invention promotion firm, inventors should check with both their local Better Business Bureau and an office located in the firm's state to learn whether any unresolved complaints about the firm exist. (Locate a BBB office) Other sources of this type of information are the state Attorney General's office and state or local consumer protection agencies.

Federal Trade Commission: This agency is responsible for enforcing a variety of federal antitrust and consumer-protection laws, and also offers informational programs and services.

Inventions & Innovations Program (Office of Industrial Technologies, U.S. Dept. of Energy): This program offers financial assistance for technical performance testing and early development of innovative ideas and inventions. Ideas must have a significant energy savings impact, and future commercial market potential. Competitive solicitation process. Also offers technical guidance and commercialization support.

Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO): This comprehensive site includes information on USPTO services and resources; links to their publications; and information on U.S. and international patent law, patent searching, and other topics.

Small Business Administration: Anyone in business will find something of interest on this site. Includes program information, an extensive collection of links, and more.

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Patent FAQ: A plain-language, question-and-answer format informational resource compiled by registered patent agent David Kiewit.

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Intellectual Property Owners (IPO): This association represents the interests of all owners of intellectual property (including inventors). Site offers news, resources (on legislation and other topics), a calendar of events, and more.

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DigitalWork: This company resells a wide range of business services (long distance, Internet access, press-release distribution, etc.) aimed to help small businesses complete common business tasks.

Smallbiz Net: Sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation, Smallbiz Net is an information toolbox for entrepreneurs and others in small business. Offers a searchable database about starting or operating a business, and also articles on inventing. Links to on-line version of Entrepreneurial Edge, another Lowe Foundation service that includes extensive on-line resources for business.

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Ask Dr. Universe: A fabulous science Q&A site.

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST): A non-profit organization whose mission is to generate an interest in science and engineering among today's youth.

Girl Tech: Fun and educational resource about inventing targeted at girls.

Helping Your Child Learn Science: Online resource sponsored by the US Department of Education.

National Geographic for Kids: Offers a wide range of science-, travel-, and environment-related resources, games, and services for kids.

TAP Junior: Resources for encouraging girls and teens in science, computers, and technology. Provided by The Ada Project (TAP).

The Tech Museum of Innovation: Web site of a Silicon Valley museum intended to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in exploring and experiencing technologies affecting their lives, and to inspire kids to become technological innovators.

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Inc. Magazine Online: Features current and back issues of the magazine. Also includes a wide array of resources for growing companies (books, videos, software, conferences, and more). Also offers searchable databases of zip codes, maps, and business terms; special online content by Inc. writers; bulletin boards; and an opportunity to create an Inc. Online-based Web site.

Intellectual Property Magazine: Online quarterly magazine published by The Recorder (a daily legal newspaper in San Francisco). Features articles on the latest and most controversial developments governing laws and information — from federal copyright law to the protection of trade secrets to antitrust enforcement.

Inventor's Digest: This bimonthly magazine is the official publication of the United Inventors Association USA. Published by the Affiliated Inventors Foundation. Probably the largest and most well-known of invention-related magazines, it features information on patenting, marketing, USPTO changes, and more.

Juris Diction: An online journal and library containing articles and news about infotech law, biotech law, and intellectual property law.

Market Launchers: Offers an invention database, as well as a free monthly e-mail newsletter, The Online Inventor. Each issue contains three articles on topics such as inventing, prototyping, patenting, marketing, and licensing.

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