Whether you have a small, home office or you have your own small business with several employees, you need to get to know your local small business administration staff. When you need local, professional, and free help, the SBA in your community can be a lifeline to your small business.
When I started my first business, ten years ago, I could not secure financing to buy the necessary equipment. The staff at my local SBA office helped me put together a strong enough of a business plan that I was able to secure an SBA Loan Guaranty which gave the banks enough confidence to give me a loan at a great rate.
Every state has a number of regional SBA offices that you can contact near you. The federally funded program exists to help small businesses. You can literally walk in, get incredible resources, and walk out without paying a penny.
The SBA helps small businesses. They have the standard help for business planning and financing advice, but - more importantly - they have local experts. Don’t underestimate the value of relationships in your community. You might find great small business tips on this site, but only folks in a community know the unique needs of that community.
The Small Business Administration has a national website where you can find your local office. I hesitate to put the current link to the regional office page because that can change so quickly.
If you cannot find a regional office nearby, check with a local community college or university, as many educational institutions have an SBA office on campus.
Worst case, make a phone call and set up a meeting with the state office. Explain to them some challenges you are facing and give them time to pull some resources together. You might be surprised at how helpful they can be.
Anybody have their own experiences with the SBA?
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