From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , D.C. |
Question :
Reply :
It's been our pleasure to chat with you today. Once again, many answers can be found on the SBA's web site at www.sba.gov/vets or www.sba.gov/reservists. Today's chat will be archived at http://www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.html. Thank you.
|
From : Ben Raley
Location : St. Louis , Missouri |
Question :
I am a Viet nam era veteral and have an opportunity to purchase an existing collection agency. Can the SBA provide me with information to secure a $135,000 loan for my first business purchase?
Reply :
Please contact the Veterans Business Resource Center in St. Louis at 314-531-8387 of contact the SBA District Office Veterans Business Development Officer |
From : Gary E. May
Location : Newburgh , IN |
Question :
Hi Bill, I saw you on CNN this morning. Haven't seen or heard from you in ages. Just want to say "hi" and "Happy Veterans Day"! Peace, Gary
Reply :
Gary; Nice to hear from you, I hope you are doing well. Give my office a call at 202-205-6773 so we can chat. Take care, and I hope you had a wonderfull Veterans Day. Bill Elmore |
From : Mark
Location : Seattle , WA |
Question :
Thanks for taking the time to help! My question is: What type of help is there to teach someone going after government contracts about the contracting process?
Reply :
Hi Mark, contact you local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at http://www.dla.mil/db/procurem.html. After that, you may wish to go to www.businessmatchmaking.gov. |
From : Christian Garces
Location : Austin , Texas |
Question :
I'm U.S. veteran and 50% owner of a 4 year old window treatment manufacturing firm. Our sales for 2006 are projected to be $850k and have been profitable since June 2005. We have been selected preferred vendor for the nation’s largest franchisor (1,400 franchisees) for window treatment, for kick off on January 22, 2007. We estimate this is going to double our monthly sales ($150K). We boot strapped the company and have managed our growth with $100K (founders), $120K (investment friends and family), $100K (credit cards most at 0% special introductory) and $40K (bank loan). Our assets to liabilities have kept banks from lending us any more. Factoring, besides being very cumbersome, is extremely expensive (24% to 36%). What other alternatives exist?
Reply :
Hello Christian, check with the bank that made you the $40k loan to see if they would be interested in making a larger loan to you if there was an SBA guarantee on the loan. There is also a Veterans Business Outreach Center in McAllen, TX, south of Austin. Their number is 956-292-7535. |
From : garold wood
Location : , |
Question :
I am Garold wood and i am a dependent of a veteran as a result of agent orange i was born with spina bifida and i am trying to open a resturant how can you help me get information to get some grants or loans
Reply :
Hi Garold, please talk with a local lender about your idea for a restaurant. SBA does not provide grants to start businesses, however, SBA will provide a partial guarantee on a loan made by a private lender. For information on developing a business plan to take to the lender, and for information on SBA's financial assistance programs go to www.sba.gov. |
From : Joseph Conforto
Location : North Wildwood , New Jersey |
Question :
I am paying $40,000 a year to insure my taxi company with a $300,000 liability insurance policy. I am interested in borrowing enough money to be self-insured with a $300,000 bond. I am wondering what a small business loan would cost monthly for that amount and what I need to acquire such a loan.
Reply :
Joseph, you should talk to a local banker to inquire about a conventional loan for this purpose. Unfortunately, SBA financial programs cannot be used for this purpose. |
From : Dennis Cribb
Location : Jacksonville , Fla. |
Question :
I am a vietnam vet. with a 20% disability , service connected. I currently own a small contracting / construction company. This business has been in operation for -3- years . I would like to expand my business and I need advice on where to go and how to secure funding . Thank You Dennis
Reply :
The SBA has a Veterans Business Outreach Center in Florida, or you can contact the SBA district office in Jacksonville to inquire about SBA loan programs. Visit www.sba.gov/vets for contact information. |
From : D Morgan
Location : Dumfries , VA |
Question :
I attended an all day SCORE seminar last week. I am scheduled for a one-on-one business plan session with a SCORE counselor in a few days. Should I schedule these same types of meetings with an SBA representative directly? Or is the same type of financial information being offered by both entities?
Reply :
SBA financial assistance is provided in conjuction with private sector lenders. After working through your business plan with the SCORE counselor, you should talk with a local banker about a loan. |
From : Diana Davis
Location : Thornton , Colroado |
Question :
I own a small mortgage broker business that is 4 years old. Because of the new laws, I can't get bonded because of credit issues, so now I need to hire others to do what I can no longer do. I do not have the money to hire anyone. Is there a program to help me hire a couple of employees and pay them for a few months until the company can afford to pay them?
Reply :
The SBA does not guarantee fidelity bonds. However, you should contact the Surety and Fidelity Association of America. |
From : Joseph A. Bantilan
Location : Kahului , Hawaii |
Question :
Aloha, I'm a veteran of the Vietnam War who is interested in starting a business within the county of Maui. Where can I acquire information about helping our community to develop more affordable housing for the people of Maui?
Reply :
Joseph, you should contact your local HUD office for more information. You can also contact the Habitat for Humanity. |
From : Tom White
Location : Indianapolis , IN |
Question :
I am an Air Force veteran of the 1980's, I'm considering becoming an agent for a national insurance company. There are some start-up costs involved including the ability to make ends meet while I'm building a reasonable customer base. Are there any programs available for veterans or anyone for that matter to help get things going early on?
Reply :
Hi Tom, if you are an independent agent SBA loan programs may be available to you. Talk with your local banker or your local chapter of National Association of Independent Agents. |
From : Marjorie James
Location : Tacoma , Washington |
Question :
Does the SBA offer small group discussion in our area of the country where veterans considering self-employment options can get together and share local resources, experiences, information, etc. (My local contact at the SBA is Roger Hopkins.)
Reply :
Hi Marjorie, the SBA Seattle district office offers pre-business workshops for entrepreneurs looking to open a business. In addition, the office also has volunteers (SCORE) that may be avalaible to answer your questions. You can visit SCORE online at www.score.org. |
From : Darryl Werts
Location : Aberdeen , MD |
Question :
My name is Darryl Werts and i am a Service-connected Disabled Veteran who's looking to establish a SDVOSB. Can you provide me with information on what/how i would go about setting this up?
Reply :
Hi Darryl, you should contact the SBA's district office in Baltimore or Delaware and ask to speak with the Veterans Business Development officer. |
From : Nelda L. Nolen
Location : Allen , Oklahoma |
Question :
I am 100% SVC, unemployable, and legally blind. I recently attended a vocational technical school and finished a Computer Technician Course. I left feeling woefully under educated in my chosen field, as there was NO INSTRUCTOR, and I had to struggle along to learn the material, though I finished the course and passed all the required tests. I continue to work at home to increase my knowledge. I want to establish a 'not for profit' home based computer restoration facility for underpriveledged children, those who have no ability to purchase a computer. I know nothing at this point, as to the requirements, and elligibility for doing this as a Veteran't Business Development, so ANY information you can give me would be greatly appreciated...Point me in a direction??? Thank you
Reply :
SBA financial assistance is not available to not-for-profit enterprises, however, other SBA programs including business planning assistance are available to you thorough the local SBA district office in Oklahoma City -- www.sba.gov/ok is a good source of additional information. |
From : Scott
Location : Colorado Springs , CO |
Question :
So what does zero disabled vetran mean and how would it help in obtaining govenment contracts?
Reply :
Hi Scott, it means you are a service conntected disabled veteran, and you should register your busienss at www.CCR.gov. |
From : Darron Stewart
Location : , |
Question :
What assistance is offered to veteran's to start a small business and are there any recommendations?
Reply :
Contact the Veterans Business Development Officer at your SBA district office for guidance to all of SBA programs. The phone number and address can be found online at www.sba.gov/vets. |
From : Chris F.
Location : Jane Lew , WV |
Question :
I am not able to work in the public. I would love to work from home. I thought about opening a store online to still items. Can I get any help with opening the store? If so where? Can you give me any information on starting a business like this?
Reply :
Dear Chris, you can contact either the SBA district office in Clarksburg or contact your local Small Business Development Center at a local college or university. |
From : J Fields
Location : Newport News , va |
Question :
I would like to know if there are any specific programs out there to assist veterans with business development and financing areas? I would like to start a service-based business and I am concerned about capital, would you apply for financing if you had the start-up money? Is there more help available throughout the different stages of starting, running and maintaining the business. Thanks
Reply :
SBA has several programs that you wish to check into. All of this information is available on the SBA website at www.sba.gov. We have financial assistance programs available through local lenders. In these programs, SBA will put a guarantee on a portion of a loan made by a local lender to you. You can contact your local SBA district office in Richmond, VA and ask for Leroy Harris, the Veterans Business Development Officer -- www.sba.gov/va. Also, local universities may have a Small Business Development Center which has resources that can assist you in setting up your business. Good luck with your venture! |
From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , D.C. |
Question :
Reply :
Welcome to today's chat participants. Happy belated Veteran's Day, and we are glad to have you with us.
|
