Gone are the days when you had to run from pillar to post to figure out the most efficient ways to fire up your business. While starting a venture is still far from being "just a click away" the internet has certainly ensured that you literally do have enough information at your fingertips and that once you’ve sorted regulatory issues out, you can tap into several online resources to get yourself up an running. DARE takes a look at some of the best online resources, including some India-specific ones, that budding entrepreneurs can tap into.

Biznik (http://biznik.com): This is an award winning effort, strictly for those looking to start businesses and does not connect job seekers to potential employers.

CEO World (http://ceoworld.biz): Lets top level management network, and therefore gives small businesses and startups a platform to share knowledge and expertise.

Cofoundr (http://cofoundr.com): A private social network where entrepreneurs can find partners make teams.

Efactor (http://efactor.com): This is one site where you’ll find members across several countries. Extremely good for networking if you are looking for international business collaborations.

Entrepreneur Connect (http://econnect.entrepreneur.com): Apart from the usual social networking functions, it allows users to make profiles, market their business, connect with potential partners and write blogs.

First Pitch (http://fastpitchnetworking.com): This site allows real time interaction among members. Also allows members to blog, send emails, send press releases etc in a bid to facilitate exchange of business.

Fundfindr (http://fundfindr.com): Links entrepreneurs with angel investors, financiers and service providers. Also allows discussions, blogs etc.

Go Big Network (http://gobignetwork.com): Helps budding entrepreneurs get in touch with the works-financiers, employees, business plan experts and service providers.

Linkedin (http://linkedin.com): One of the best known social networking sites, it can be a very good resource for entrepreneurs who can connect with potential moneybags and employees using the same network.

Partner Up (http://partnerup.com): Apart from looking for potential employees and business partners, entrepreneurs can also find real estate for setting up shop.

Perfect Business (http://perfectbusiness.com): An extremely efficiently managed site, which, besides linking people up with each other, also gets budding entrepreneurs some much needed advice from those that have trodden the path before. Further, you can make pitches, make business plans and find investors.

Startup Nation (http://startupnation.com): As goes the name, it is primarily supposed to be a netwoking tool for startups. Also, offers services like discussion forums, podcasts and seminars on demand.

The Funded (http://thefunded.com): Lets financiers and entrepreneurs meet each other find the best match using a parameterized matrix that looks at location, type and level of funding and lets members comment on various issues and rate financiers.

Upspring (http://upspring.com): Offers a good window to small businesses to connect with the world and offers them tools that they can use to promote their businesses.

Young Entrepreneur (http://youngentrepreneur.com): This is a global resource that aims to link entrepreneurs to academia, service providers and financiers. Also has sections where successful entrepreneurs are interviewed and important information is shared.

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