The U.S. Small Business Administration describes opportunities for business development. Though all U.S. business has rules, regulations, and taxes, private enterprise is encouraged, not just at the federal but also at the state and local level.

Almost every town of any size has a Chamber of Commerce which acts to support business interests in the community. Additionally, many trade associations provide their members with needed information on issues effecting their particular trade such as legislation, import/export regulations, consumer trends, technical training etc.

In this section you will find resources for business which are applicable to sustainable mountain development. One such industry, tourism, can get information from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Tourism Industries Office which is the interagency policy coordinator for the U.S. government on issues related to sustainable tourism.