Every year U.S. companies spend billions of dollars on incentives. These giveaways run the gamut, from the use of professional services to the distribution of information that an uninitiated person would otherwise pay for. Through the years of bootstrapping my ideas into existence, I have developed a real knack for taking advantage of free and low-cost resources. The result: I have been able to free up and use my cash to invest in other critical areas of my business. If you're looking for ways to fatten up a slim budget, then read on.

There are literally hundreds of business goodies available to bootstrappers. The space here does not allow me to list all the gems tucked away in my rolodex, files and book, "Bootstrapper's Success Secrets: 151 Tactics for Building Your Business on a Shoestring Budget" (Career Press, $13.99, 800-CAREER-1). I can, however, share with you twelve resources that can help advance your efforts, regardless of your checkbook balance. Just give 'em a try.

Counseling: 
One of my most notable experiences as an entrepreneur came through a free counseling session from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). At that time I was interested in catalog marketing. SCORE hooked me up with the retired head of catalog operation for Sears Roebuck--a free session to pick the brain of a veteran.  SCORE offers face-to-face as well as e-mail counseling sessions. For more information on how to use SCORE's services, visit its web site at www.score.org or call 800-634-0245.

Customer Service: 
The least expensive way to make more money and grow faster is to be perceived as a service leader in your customers' eyes. You can find some great ideas and information on how to create or revamp your customer service program from the online world. Check out Service Quality Institute (www.customer-service.com), International Customer Service Association (www.icsa.com), and "Outrageous Customer Service Tips!" online newsletter (http://www2.pitt.edu/~pirrs/cust/cust.html).

Employment and Recruitment Assistance: Thinking about putting other people's muscle to work in your business? "How to Hire Smart" by Robert Half International (P.O. Box 4157, New York, NY 10163) can help protect you from making costly hiring blunders.

Exhibits and Displays: 
Setting up a display at a trade show, conference, or networking event can be an effective way to market your business. "Tips & Techniques for Exhibiting Success" provides you with a step-by-step approach to planning, implementing, and evaluating every event. Request a copy from 800-732-9395.

Mailings: 
You can learn how to increase the effectiveness of, save money on, and plan and strategize all your business mailing with the small-business publications, software and other information available from the U.S. Postal Service. Contact the National Customer Support Center at 800-238-3150 or visit www.usps.gov.

Marketing: 
If fine arts is your business (i.e., painter, photographer, sculptor or other craft artist), you can get free marketing advice from the Art Marketing Hotline (800-999-7013), sponsored by Color Q Inc. Others can learn how to improve their networking know-how from the new web site, CONTACTS COUNT (www.ContactsCount.com). Site offers articles, quizzes and checklists to help you find clients, give and get referrals, and beef up your professional credibility.

Newsletter Production: 
Promotional newsletters are a great way to stay in touch with your customers and educate the marketplace about your product or service. It's important, though, that your missive speaks well of you. "Newsletter Nameplate", a bimonthly newsletter, features writing, editing, design and marketing tips for newsletter producers. You can sign up for a one-year subscription by sending in a copy of your publication or requesting an application. Contact: Ruddle Creative, Suite 715, 111 N. Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113-9925; phone: 800-778-3353 or e-mail: nameplate@ruddle.com.

Relocation: 
"The Entrepreneur's Relocation Guide" provides you with a six-step plan for relocating yourself, your family and your business. The guide includes money-saving tips, research strategies for evaluating a new location, and relocate profiles. It's available while the supply last. Send your request along with $3.00 (shipping/handling) to: Kimberly Stansell, PMB 306C, 6308 W. 89th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Research: 
Some of the most extensive demographic and business-related data is offered by the Census Bureau. "Taking Care of Business: A Guide to Census Bureau Data for Small Businesses" explains how to access and use the data offered by the Bureau. It also includes a listing of State Data Centers (SDCs) and Business and Industry Data Centers (BIDCs), which offer access to computers and other databases at no charge.  Contact: Customer Service Branch, Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233; www.census.gov.

Training: 
"America at Work," produced by the Microsoft Corporation, is a six-part videos series dedicated to helping you learn how to better manage your business.  Topics include: marketing your business, getting started with technology, and doing business on the Internet. The series is available for viewing at Small Business Development Centers (www.sbaonline.sba.gov or 800-827-5722) nationwide at no charge.

Value-Added Program Benefits: A book, audio- or videocassette or seminar slot may be earmarked for you through one of your service provider's small office or home office (SOHO) division. These customer programs offer a potpourri of business resources at no charge. For example, Bell Atlantic Knowledge Centers (800/867-6000) offer hands-on small business computer applications, and free technology workshops and professional development seminars; and a special series of financial and business audio tapes. Pacific Bell and Southwestern Bell offer its customers a "New Business Start-Up Kit," which available by calling 888-782-7887. Other value-added programs may available through your bank, Internet provider, or long-distance carrier.

Writing assistance:
The Grammar Hotline is a telephone service that provides free answers to short questions about writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling, diction and syntax. For a copy of the "Grammar Hotline Directory," send a business-size SASE to Tidewater Community College Writing Center, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.