The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides the American small business community with the support needed to succeed through three core functions: Capital, Counseling, and Contracting.
The SBA is a critical resource for:
- Access to Capital: Partnering with lenders to offer guaranteed loans (e.g., 7(a) and 504 programs) and disaster assistance to make financing available when business owners can't secure conventional credit.
- Counseling & Training: Providing free or low-cost training and one-on-one mentorship through its resource partners, including SCORE, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Women's Business Centers (WBCs).
- Government Contracting: Advocating for small businesses to receive a fair share of federal contracts and providing certifications (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB) that grant access to set-aside contracting opportunities.
The SBA is the foundational federal link for entrepreneurs seeking financing, mentorship, and opportunities in the federal marketplace.
Link: https://www.sba.gov/