TIP: HELP FROM SBA

If you want a great source of information and advice about operating your small business, look to the Federal Government’s Small Business Administration. Some people only consider the SBA to be a source of business loans—but it’s much more!

The SBA has many resources on-line, and if you have a computer they’re available in minutes.

One of the most important on-line resources is the SBA Classroom, with lessons in developing business plans, self-assessing your business, how to raise capital, and other topics. There’s also a wealth of links to other government offices and organizations, such as SCORE, a group of retired business executives that are available to provide help.

If you don’t have a computer, many of the resources can be mailed to you. In a previous issue we mentioned their booklets, “The Common Sense Series”,  for growing small businesses. This series has outlines, step-by-step directions, and real world examples; and is designed to help you learn about topics such as cash flow, marketing, financing, and other issues. They’re available by calling the SBA directly at 1-800-8-ASK-SBA.

 Be sure to visit their web site at www.sba.gov and follow the links. There’s also a great resource for women entrepreneurs, the SBA Women’s Business Center, at www.onlinewbc.gov.