Dell Small Business 360

Dell has also hit on the trend many big companies are following to create a small business resources center. Dell's is called Small Business 360 and is a first generation SMB site still focused more on product sales than on actually being a resource center.

To Dell's credit, however, they have begun to put in additional information that is not only focused on selling Dell products. For example, under the Starting a Business category they have articles such as 3 Ways to Get Investors Interested in Your New Business, 5 Tips for Estimating Your Start-up Costs, How to Write a Business Plan.

Inside tip: Anything related to marketing, raising capital, or writing a business plan will always be a big hit with small business readers.

It's a step in the right direction and the beginning of the evolution of the Corporate SMB Resource Centers from having a focus of pushing products to building relationships as a trusted advisor and supplier.

AT&T Launches Small Business Resource Center

So after Verizon announced it's toolbar for entrepreneurs, AT&T decided it would get into the game by launching a small business resource center.

The new portal promises access to expert advice, online courses, and money-saving offers. Business referrals also receive $100 visa card rewards.

Promised features from their press release includes:

* A daily feed of industry-specific small business news, including streaming video segments from SBTV.com - Small Business Television.

* Free instructional Web-based seminars and online training courses hosted by experts.

* The ability to submit questions and to receive one-on-one advice from SCORE - Counselors to America’s Small Business.

* Tips on starting, managing and relocating a small business.

* Money-saving promotional offers from AT&T and other leading brands, including UPS, Pitney Bowes, Lenovo and CareerBuilder.com.

* Information about AT&T's portfolio of products and services for small business, including voice, wireless, Internet, messaging, advertising and search engine marketing solutions through Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM, online support and account management services.

The portal is located at http://www.att.com/OnwardSmallBiz and is currently thin on content but it's a step in the right direction for AT&T. Just like Verizon's move, it could be a great opportunity to capitalize on the small business market if AT&T puts the muscle into making their site a true resource center for entrepreneurs.