First, I apologize for the delay in responding to your question.  I have been and still am suffering from the flu.   It is difficult to say what services I would like to see the government provide.  I'm not one who feels every business should rely on the government for help, so I have never really given it much thought.   I know there are already numerous lending programs available, and one service that would greatly help those who apply would be to streamline the paperwork.  Since most of the relevant information concerning a business is already on file somewhere with the federal government, it seems redundant to ask for things like copies of tax returns or balance sheets.   As for this site and what it might offer, it is again hard to say.  I'm not sure what the government can offer.  However, I would suggest that, if it isn't already, the site be approached as a business would approach a website.  Lay it out so the readers can understand the purpose and find useful information quickly.   I will give all this more thought, preferably when I am not ill and have a clearer head!

Welcome to the Business.gov Community! Western Maryland sure is beautiful and a great vacation spot, particularly for those of us in the DC area. We are trying to improve access to info and resources that offer some kind of assistance to small businesses in economic distress. What you some of the pain points in your industry, and what services would like to see the government provide to assist these businesses? Message Edited by BobK on 02-19-2009 07:30 AM