Small Business Loans

• The SBA offers a variety of loan options. In 2010, the Small Business Jobs Act was signed into law. This added $505 million dollars to the more than $12 billion available to lend. The act also provided for larger loan amounts and more business sizes that qualify.
  
  The SBA also offers loans for businesses with special requirements, such as those in rural communities and ones that export goods. In addition, there is a loan program to acquire assets to expand your business and one that offers small, short loans through community intermediaries.
  
  

Training and Counseling

• The SBA offers business training online. Topics include the areas of starting, managing and financing a business and contracting. There are podcasts on a variety of business topics, including strategies of growth, construction safety, disaster preparedness, Internal Revenue Service resources and record keeping.
  
  The SBA can tell you where to obtain counseling and mentoring in your community. SCORE personnel are the "Counselors to America's Small Business." This consists of volunteer business owners who are trained as mentors to other business owners. There is no cost, and your mentor will meet with you regularly and give you advice on how to grow your business.
  
  

Government Contracts

• The SBA helps you register to receive government contracts. It teaches you what services the government may need, such as sub-contracting, green contracting, energy reduction or manufacturing. If you need contracting documents, SBA is a good resource. You have access to eligibility size standards, federal acquisition regulations and the field staff directory. When you're ready to find a government contracting opportunity by bidding, the SBA shows you how to get started. You can place your business profile in a government directory for all to see or research specific government opportunities to apply for.
  
  

Help Running a Business

• The SBA has advice and resources for existing business owners. One area is in managing business finances and accounting. Here, the website discusses accepting cash, checks and credit cards as payment; using online payment services and extending terms to your customers. There is information on the sales and marketing aspects of your business, as well as human resources. If you have wondered if you carry the right insurance policy for your business, just log on to the SBA site, and you will find out. It explains different insurance requirements for various types of businesses.