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SBA - Free resources for your small business

Updated on March 9, 2008
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Small Business Administration (SBA)

Do you need free information on how to write a Business Plan? Do you want access to a free Small Business Start-Up Guide? I have a free solution for you.

When I started a small consulting business, I needed guidance. I found the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) to be a wonderful and free resource. The "free" part is especially important when you are starting out with little or no money. In addition, the SBA also offers low-cost services.

Business guidance and encouragement is crucial when you are starting out, or even if you have been in business for a while and want to be more successful.

Overview of the SBA

Facts on the SBA

  • The SBA was founded on July 30, 1953 and has delivered about 20 million loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of free assistance to small businesses.
  • According to their website, the SBA is an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

SBA FREE Newsletter and Publication Subscription Center

http://web.sba.gov/list/

Free help for businesses

Free newsletters

The SBA has an option to subscribe to their newsletters, which offer a of information and business opportunities for small businesses.

Some of the newsletter topics are listed below:

  • A Woman's Perspective
  • Columbus, OH District Office News
  • Los Angeles Lender's Update
  • New Jersey Newsletter
  • Pittsburgh Newsletter
  • Smallbizopps

There are many more to choose from, so check this page out, and see if there is one right for you!

Use this link to locate the nearest office:

SBDC LOCATOR

Free Counseling

The Office of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide free counseling, pamphlets, and even free books to small businesses, or even those who are considering starting a small business. The SBDC specializes on outreach to women, minorities and armed forces veterans, as well as faith-based initiatives.

However, all small business owners are encouraged to seek help.

If there is not an office in your area, please call the nearest office to receive assistance over the phone.

Find a list to the most requested items/questions on the SBA site, and their answers here

Most requested items/questions on the SBA site

Free On-line Answers

Did you know that there is no "official" certification process that determines a small business? The answers to this question and others can be found under the "Most Requested Items" page, which an excellent place to find answers to very common questions.

Some of the questions listed are listed here:

  • Q-1. How do I get a small business loan?
  • Q-2. How do I get a small business grant?
  • Q-3. How do I get started in a business?
  • Q-4. How do I get a business license?
  • Q-5. How do I get a tax identification number?
  • Q-6. What type of collateral do I need for a loan?
  • Q-7. Is there any business assistance available in my area?
  • Q-8. What classifies a business as "small"?
  • Q-9. How can I get my business certified as a woman or minority owned?
  • Q-10. What type of interest rate, terms and fees does the SBA require on its Guaranty Loan Program?
  • Q-11. How do I find an investor for my business?
  • Q-12. What is CCR and SUB-Net?
  • Q-13. I'm interested in exporting. What is the process ? Q-14. I'm in the National Guard and was called up for active duty. Can you help me?

There are so many resources on this page!

SBA Small Business Planner

Free - Small Business Planner

I saved the best for last. There are so many links on this page, it is exciting.

In the section, "Get Ready", there is so much useful information, such as:

  • Starting A Business FAQs
  • Small Business Start-Up Guide

In the section, "Write a Business Plan", the SBA shows a business plan outline, and examples. This is a truly free resource!

I highly recommend you read the Small Business Planner section and check out the enormous amount of information, guides, and resources available

↓ Scroll down for more!

SBA - Small Business Planner

SBA - Small Business Planner
SBA - Small Business Planner

Take Aways

On the above examples, I focused on the "free" resources. The SBA also offers low-interest loans for your business.

If you (1) plan to start a business, (2) have a small business but have questions, or are (3) even managing a successful small business, I highly recommend that you visit the SBA website. This is not some for-profit website wanting you to spend $99.99 for a small business start-up package, or a marketing gimic encourging you to to buy their "must have" start-up business solution.

This is a U.S. government agency sincerely offering free services to help you reach your dreams.

The SBA believes that the "American Dream" is within the reach of millions of Americans.

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