7 Must-Know Resources from the Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency dedicated to supporting non-binary & women-owned businesses and helping them overcome any hurdles they may face. We understand that your time is limited as small business owners, so we’re here to help you navigate the SBA’s offerings. Here are 7 must-know resources offered by the SBA:

Women's Business Centers

Women entrepreneurs can benefit greatly from the resources offered by the SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs). These centers offer training, counseling, networking opportunities, and other valuable resources to support women in business. Additionally, the WBCs provide specialized assistance to those facing economic or social challenges.

Small Business Development Centers

The Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are a national network of centers that provide counseling and training to small businesses, including working with the SBA to develop and provide informational tools to support business start-ups and existing business expansion. The SBDCS provides assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and so much more!

SCORE Mentors

SCORE Mentors program is a network of volunteer business mentors who provide free mentoring and low-cost educational resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners. SCORE mentors are experienced business professionals who have expertise in a variety of industries and can offer personalized advice and guidance to help small businesses succeed.

Contracting Programs

Small businesses, especially those owned by women, can benefit from the contracting programs offered by the SBA. These programs, such as the Women-Owned Small Business and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business programs, aim to provide assistance to small businesses and enable them to compete for federal contracts.

Loan Programs

The SBA provides various loan programs to support small businesses in their efforts to start, expand, and thrive. It is essential for women-owned businesses to be familiar with some of the significant loan programs available, such as:

• 7(a) Loan Program: provides loans up to $5 million to small businesses for various purposes, including working capital, equipment purchases, and refinancing existing debt.
• Microloan Program: provides small loans up to $50,000 to start-ups, newly established, or growing small businesses.
• Community Advantage Program: designed to provide business loans of up to $250,000 to businesses located in underserved areas, including women-owned businesses.

Education

The SBA offers many training and educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and in-person training events. These resources can help small businesses develop the skills they need to succeed. Example educational events include: Cybersecurity & Your Small Business, Trademarks Patents & Copyrights, Food & Beverage - Scaling and Funding Your Business, and much more!

The SBA's Business Guide is also a valuable source of information for entrepreneurs. It offers many resources, such as business planning tools, financial management resources, and marketing resources.

Advocacy

The Office of Advocacy within the SBA is the independent voice for small businesses within the federal government. It advances the views and concerns of small businesses before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.