Learn about the United States Small Business Administration (SBA)—a government organization that supports small business owners by helping us start, grow, and build resilient businesses.
A successful business thrives partly due to its access to resources. With the proper funding, education, and guidance, small businesses owners like us are empowered to achieve our goals and grow.
Our federal government knows this, and they’ve created an organization to help us with this: the Small Business Administration.
The United States Small Business Administration (SBA)—a government organization that supports small business owners by helping us start, grow, and build resilient businesses.
SBA was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns; preserve free competitive enterprise; and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
Since its founding, SBA has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance to small businesses.
Founding and growing a business is tough, and even more difficult when you’re going it alone. This is a great resource for people who are looking to learn more about owning and operating a business, find funding and resources, and connect with other organizations that align with your goals.
Firstly, they have created a series of detailed and foundational Business Guides, covering everything you need to know about planning, launching, managing, and growing your business. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out their overview here: 10 Steps to Start Your Business.
They offer guidance on finding Funding to start or grow your business, or to help you recover after a declared disaster. Here you can learn about your options for funding programs, grants, loans, investment capital, and much more.
Did you know the federal government often seeks out small businesses to buy products and services? The website is the place to learn about these Federal Contracts, how your business can compete for them, the programs designed to assist you, and where to get help and read their annual contracting data.
Knowledge is power, and the SBA has set up a robust Learning Platform offering online training programs, and development and growth opportunities designed to empower and educate small business owners.
Finally, you can receive Local Assistance through the SBA’s network of partners, offering free or low-cost counseling and training in your area. You can get entrepreneurial training and counseling at local Small Business Development Centers, connect with an expert business mentor, get in touch with a Veterans Business Outreach Center to start or grow your veteran or military spouse-owned business, or locate a Women's Business Center for training, counseling, and resources for women-owned businesses.
You can access everything online via the SBA website: https://www.sba.gov/
And if you’re looking for personalized guidance, you can connect with a Community Navigator, whose job it is to connect you with specific local resources depending on your business’s needs and ownership status.
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