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The U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs
and small business owners start, grow and succeed in their business ventures. In fact,
some of the most recognizable brands started small. [Shown on screen: Names of companies
that started small, including Ben and Jerry's, Tom's of Maine, Nike, JetBlue Airways, Stoneyfield
Farm, Dogfish Head, Chobani, Staples, Callaway Golf Company, Jenny Craig, Restoration Hardware,
Columbia Sportswear, Intel, Costco, Apple, Outback Steakhouse, Whole Foods Market, Hewlett
Packard, Sports Authority]
For people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. *** Islands and Guam, SBA
is here to help at any stage of your business -- from writing a business plan to providing
resources to export your products overseas. [Shown on screen: Map of the United States,
Puerto RIco, the *** Islands and Guam]
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., SBA has district offices across the country. These
offices help entrepreneurs with the "three Cs": contracting, counseling and capital.
Government contracting can be a critical tool for growing your small business. The government
has many categories of contract opportunities set aside exclusively for small businesses.
[Shown on screen: Small business set-aside program list, including HUBZone, 8(a) socially
and economically disadvantaged, small disadvantaged, service-disabled veteran-owned and women-owned]
These help level the playing field for women, veterans and the socially and economically
disadvantaged. SBA also offers participation in matchmaking events and the Mentor-Protégé
Program to help small businesses compete more successfully for federal government contracts.
Through our district offices and extensive network of resource partners, SBA offers hands-on
training, mentoring and expert advice tailored to your needs. Our online learning center
is also available around the clock -- so you can explore and take training courses
at your convenience.
Many entrepreneurs need financial resources to start or expand a small business -- and
they must combine what they have with other sources of financing. While SBA doesn't loan
money directly to small business owners, we can help facilitate a loan with a third party
lender, such as a bank or credit union, by guarantying that a certain portion of the
loan will be repaid. SBA-guaranteed loans can be used for various business needs including
replenishing seasonal inventory, building expansion or renovation, purchasing equipment
and working capital.
Ready to start or grow your small business? Visit sba.gov to learn more about how we can
help. [Shown on screen: link to sba.gov]