Consumer and Business

Charitable Choices - information on hundreds of charities that have met the Combined Federal Campaign's 10 accountability standards, including low overhead; plus ideas about what to consider when choosing a charity to support

Consumer - federal government portal for consumer protection information about food, health, product safety, your money, transportation, and more

Consumer Sentinel - international fraud-fighting program enables you to find consumer frauds, schemes, and scams; plus online complaint reporting

Federal Citizen Information Center - one-stop source for answers to questions about consumer problems and government services; FCIC National Contact Center lists toll-free phone numbers for Federal Government agencies

Federal Trade Commission - information and advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics; plus online complaint filing

Food Recalls and Alerts - latest information on food recalls and alerts, and food illness outbreaks

National Do Not Call Registry - free registration to stop getting unwanted telemarketing calls

Business Resources
CalGOLD Business Permits - provides lists of permits, licences, and requirements you need for your business from all levels of government, with contact information for city, county, state, and federal agencies; permit listings are specific to business type and location in California

California Business Portal - information you will need to start and file a business in the State of California

Central Contractor Registration - CCR is the primary vendor database for the US Federal Government; prospective contractors need to register prior to award of a contract or agreement

Grants.gov - find and apply for federal government grants through a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs

ReferenceUSA - database provides information for millions of US and Canadian businesses; updated monthly; customizable searches by company size, sales volume, geographic location, industry – making it easy for business owners to get information about potential new customers

Small Business Administration - agency providing financial, technical, and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses SBA District Office in Fresno

Small Business Administration: Financial Assistance - loan programs, including eligibility requirements and how to apply for them

Small Business Administration: Start a Business - helps small businesses understand their legal requirements and locate government services from federal, state and local agencies

ThomasNet - an industrial search engine that provides one source for finding the exact product, service, or supplier