The Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government which promotes the development and growth of small businesses. The SBA offers both outreach and management functions. It provides counseling and assistance services and offers loans and loan guarantees to promising small businesses. The SBA has also begun to provide loan guarantees to companies looking to export their products overseas.
I've included details on the wide range of services offered by the SBA, along with links to locations allowing you to better navigate through the information offered by the SBA.
The SBA also makes long-term, low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses dependant on farmers and ranchers who are effected by physical disasters.