The Small Business
Administration (SBA) offers many loan and technical assistance programs,
including special programs for women, minorities, and veterans, as well as the
addresses of lead agencies in each state and U.S. territory. It also
provides a review of federal assistance programs for disadvantaged
businesses. Please note that while it awards some grants to organizations
providing small business assistance to individuals, SBA does not offer monetary
grants to individuals to start up or expand small businesses.
SBA's website offers a full range of fact sheets, program information, loan
applications, regulations, suggestions on inexpensive software, and guides to
state and local resources. Calendars and schedules of SBA-sponsored
programs in each state can be found by selecting state and local SBA offices at
the SBA website. The site also links to a number of registers and directories,
including:
- ACE-Net, the access to
capital electronic network, which facilitates contacts between small
businesses seeking capital and potential investors;
- PRO-NET, an online directory
of small and minority-owned businesses, information on contracting and subcontracting
opportunities, and access to multiple electronic sources of procurement
assistance;
- WomenBiz.gov, an Internet
site which links women-owned businesses to information on federal agency
procurement programs and contracting opportunities.
Additionally, to locate these and other organizations, one
can use the Encyclopedia of Associations, a reference book that is available in
most larger libraries.
SBA has a toll-free number for inquiries 1-800-UASK-SBA
(1-800-827-5722) that is available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. eastern time,
Monday through Friday. The SBA also has local offices with staff who can
provide assistance; a list of these local offices is included online.
The U.S. Small Business Administration also provides information related to The
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA gives federal civil rights protections to
individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the
basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees
equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations,
employment, transportation, State and local government services, and
telecommunications.
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