Government impacts every business that operates in the U.S., but navigating government-business interactions takes knowledge and patience. If your business deals with government and trade or depends on government contracts for import and export activities, you can add another level of knowledge and bureaucracy. Many business owners find the level of red tape at even the local government level daunting.

After all, you're trying to run a business, and it seems like every step of the way the government complicates your efforts. The red tape isn't intentional, and learning where to go and how to get there will cut that red tape down to manageable bites. Start with basic knowledge about government. You can classify government into three main forms: federal government, state government and local government. U.S. government also deals with trade, but we'll get to that later. Now, ask yourself a few questions to guide you through government-related issues.

1. What form(s) of government—local government, state government or federal government—do you need to address to solve your problem?

2. What branch of government within that form of government should you contact?

3. Do you need to deal with governments outside of the U.S. government jurisdiction?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Navigate the maze of the different forms of government

A local business, such as shoe store, still has to follow federal and state laws and rules. Likewise, a larger business, such as one that deals with government contracts for import and export industries, must also obey local laws at its home office. Often business owners don't know which forms of government apply to every aspect of their business so they spend time running from one agency to another.

I recommend: The U.S. government created a website to help businesses determine which forms of government apply to which business problems. This site also includes separate sections that deal with government trade issues and export law. Use Startspot Mediaworks, Inc.'s link to state and local government business listings to find your local and state government websites.

Locate the correct branch of the local, state or federal government

Knowing which branch of the appropriate level of government further streamlines your quest for compliance or assistance. If, for example, you need to renew your articles of incorporation, you know you need to deal with state government. Next you need to locate the proper branch of state government.

I recommend: State and Local Government on the Net lets you find a state or local government website by either location or topic. The U.S. Small Business Administration has industry-specific guides for government-business regulation.

Explore government and trade relationships to expand your business

If you want to expand your business outside the United States, government has a say in how you do that, but it can also help. Government trade law takes a bit of patience to navigate, but the agencies that regulate trade relationships are the same agencies that can help your business succeed.

I recommend: The United States Department of Commerce lists its programs and services alongside its compliance resources to make navigating government and trade easier. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) posts government trade agreements. The USTR also keeps a bounty of information about trade and government contracts for import and export businesses, so dig into this site.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Your local Small Business Administration, or SBA, will help you find the right branch of local, state or federal government. Just call and ask; typically someone in your local office can give you an answer immediately.