From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , D.C. |
Question :
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Reply :
This has been a great opportunity to answer as many questions as possible. Because of your leadership in communities across America, jobs are being created and the economy is realizing tremendous growth. I hope this has been helpful. For additional information regarding the Office of the National Ombudsman visit: www.sba.gov/ombudsman. At this site, you may file a comment regarding an unfair or excessive Federal regulatory enforcement. Also, a calendar of regional hearings is available. Thank you for participating. |
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From : hathaway
Location : greenville , ohio |
Question :
We started a small business (Service business) and are being eaten alive by insurance,workmans comp,accountants. You name it. I feel like we are lost before we are found. Do you have any suggestions, advise for a small businessman |
Reply :
I recommend analyzing your business plan and consult with SCORE.org (to locate local office for counseling) or visit your closest Small Business Development Center. Visit www.sba.gov for locations. |
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From : Beverly
Location : , |
Question :
How/where do I get the certification as a minority business owner? please send information to bbtillman@yahoo.com |
Reply :
Beverly, you should contact a business development specialist at your local SBA office. |
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From : Ken Bennett
Location : Alto , MI |
Question :
I (a 100% disabled vet)started a small business and it is co-owned by 4 people; I am a 100% disabled Vietnam Vet-permanent & total, two caucasian women and a second male (seeking his native American status). We are trying to find out more about our potential status for both federal requirements and state requirements for people or businesses that may have to give us an (veteran, disadvantaged or minority) opportunity (priority) when seeking bids or contracting on the services we offer and subcontract. Where can I go for information or assistance. |
Reply :
First, thank you for your service to our Country! I recommend that you contact SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development for assistance. http://www.sba.gov/reservists/deploy.html |
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From : Krista Zurkamer
Location : Jefferson City , MO |
Question :
Mr. Owens-What advice can you give to state agencies to assist small businesses who are having regulatory fairness concerns. Thank you |
Reply :
Krista, the State of Missouri has a regulatory fairness board process available similiar to the Federal program. You may wish to contact the state department of commerce for contact information for the state's regfair board. |
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From : Lou Ann Roe
Location : South Haven , MI |
Question :
I am starting up my own business and would like some help in finding a grant to help me fund it. I am partially disabled and a woman. Please send to: laroe2@btc-bci.com or phone: 269-637-3326 |
Reply :
SBA does not provide grants for business start-ups. However, you may wish to visit: http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/i ndex.html for guidance in starting your small business and the resources available. |
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From : tammy
Location : , |
Question :
We have owned our small engine repair shop for aprox 8yrs. How can we find a grant to make our bussiness grow, we need a new building, and more machines we have land 3 acres? |
Reply :
I don't have advice on a grant, however, you may wish to contact your local bank or credit union. SBA does not offer grants for small business start-ups. SBA has innovative loan products for banks and credit unions to assist you in access to capital and purchasing property. You may want to mention the SBA 7(a) and 504 programs, respectively. |
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From : `alfred brion jr
Location : Modesto , california |
Question :
I applied online at the SBA Express Loan and have application approval pending How can I check status for a decision? |
Reply :
I recommend that you follow-up with your local bank or credit union. SBA does not directly loan to small businesses for operating capital or business expansion loans. |
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From : Anita Herbst
Location : Tempe , Arizona |
Question :
I would like to open up a "behavioral/special needs daycare" and it seems that there is so much to encounter, what would be the best first step that I need to do to begin on financial figures. |
Reply :
You may wish to visit the following link for business planning assistance. Thanks for writing. http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html |
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From : jeremymiller
Location : athens , alabama |
Question :
i am interested in starting a small candle/pottery bussiness and was wonder how i go about getting help about setting it up i am als disabled |
Reply :
Jeremy - thank you for the question. I would recommend contacting your local SBA office for assistance. The office may be in Birmingham. If you need further assistance, please file a comment online with my office and I'll provide you with additional information - www.sba.gov/ombudsman. Thank you and Alabama is a great state! |
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From : marie vaillot
Location : naga , philippines |
Question :
i need s sample plan on how to start a small business |
Reply :
Marie - you may wish to visit the following address for guidance: http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html |
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From : sharon morgan
Location : asheville , nc |
Question :
I am the manager of Biltmore Square Mall in Asheville...we are looking for small business people, local or regional to occupy spaces inside the mall..we are willing to work with any tenant, any use and any size. We will write leases that are short term or long term. My phone number is 828-667-2308. Are any of your participants looking for a place to start a business..or a place to move their existing business to? |
Reply :
Asheville is a beautiful area. I was just in North Carolina yesterday. You may wish to talk with your local Chamber of Commerce for recommendations. |
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From : Rosalind McFadden
Location : lake city , sc |
Question :
i am trying to start a buisness. i am trying finance my buisness by submitting a grant proposal. i also need help with wrting a buisness plan. |
Reply :
Rosalind, considering that it's lunch time that sounds great right now! I would suggest develop a business plan and present to your local bank or credit union. |
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From : julie r
Location : jacksonville , fl |
Question :
We are looking for a loan 150,000 to expand our business. How do we get qualified through the sba? Is there a local office? Do we have to go to a bank? Thanks, Julie |
Reply :
Julie, I would suggest contact a local bank or credit union, which may be a SBA authorized lender. SBA guarantees financial institutions' loans. |
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From : Samantha
Location : San Francisco , CA |
Question :
How do you start building your business credit when your own credit is bad? |
Reply :
You may wish to consider a financial education counseling program offereed through your local bank or credit union. There are many programs available and they will look forward to assisting you. Good luck! |
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From : Elder J. Christopher Tate
Location : Chattanooga , Tennessee |
Question :
I am attemping to buy a franchie, what dirction should I take. |
Reply :
You may wish to contact a local Small Business Development Center. To find the local SBDC visit www.sba.gov |
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From : yoyo
Location : tianjin , china |
Question :
dear mr. owens, thank you for reading my questions. we are tianjin SME economic development association from china. everyday we will go to usa with some small and middle chinese business to study and visit some small and middle businesses in usa. we would like to establish business relationship with some companies in america. i think you know kinds of america companies, so would you like to introuduce some companies to contact with us? hope receive your reply soon. thank you best regards yoyo |
Reply :
I would suggest contact the Export-Import Bank of the US....www.exim.gov for additional information. Also, a great source would be SBA's international visitors program, Jane Boreman at 202-205-7411 |
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From : Elizabeth Smith
Location : Kelseyville , California |
Question :
I would like to know how I can obtain a loan or a government grant so that I can start my own business. I want a loan or grant to be trusted to me and with no co-signers or third party co-signers? |
Reply :
Work with your local bank or credit union on the loan specifics. |
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From : clement okpako
Location : lagos , lagos |
Question :
what will be my benefit for attending this programme |
Reply :
learning how the National Ombudsman may assist small businesses with unfair regulatory enforcement |
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From : cmarquis@berkshirebank.com
Location : Pittsfield , MA |
Question :
Could you please tell me what a Form 750 and a 750 Agreement are? Thank you. |
Reply :
Not during this chat. However, please file a comment at www.sba.gov/ombudsman and we will attempt to assist you. Also, note which Federal agency the form 750 represents. Thank you. |
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From : Samvel G. Topchian
Location : Kansas City , MO |
Question :
Mr. Owens ! I'm very glad to have this opportunity and ask You a question ... My question is in regard to business practices in State of Missouri , where the opportunity to provide transportation for State Medicaid programm is given to brokers , not actual transportation providers . I wouldn't write You about this if everything would go by normal business practice . But these brokers are breaking every rule of the business such as asking providers to collect a portion of the payment from the low income passengers ( which is already illegal practice , no matter what their papers say) . For a year and a half I was writing and calling to the State Officials , in charge of transportation , but the result is still the same . Unlike the other states , Missouri wants to stick with what they have right now regardless all what this brokerage company is done with transportation in our state . Thank You for your answer . |
Reply :
You may wish to file a comment with the State of Missouri's Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board. |
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From : Jason Ford
Location : Martinez , CA |
Question :
I own a small business and increasing government regulation is driving me out of business. Can the SBA help? Is there a grant for this type of situation, so that I can pursue other avenues in my business to replace the lost revenues? Thank you, Jason Ford, American Air Lights, CA |
Reply :
From your question, I cannot understand the regulatory impact on your business. If you wish to file a comment at www.sba.gov/ombudsman, we may be able to provide you with a recommendation. |
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From : Ana Cristina Orellana
Location : Southwest Ranches , Florida |
Question :
I am starting a Business representing an outsourcing company in Taiwan and a factory manufacturing plastics, specializing in promotional toys and customized items in China. I have worked with them for over 10 years already in Central America and Mexico. Now, I am establishing the business here in the USA and inted to target Americans and Latins companies interested in bringing promotionals items in South Florida. I am just finishing my MBA in Marketing in AIU,South Florida and would like to start networking for my business. I need information on how to open my business and the essential steps to start doing business in the USA. Also, what are the requirements of the law that I have to take into considerations in order to avoid serious matters with the Government. I would appreciate your help to start up. |
Reply :
You may wish to contact SBA's office of international trade www.sba.gov or Export-Import Bank of the US, a Federal government agency, for additional information www.exim.gov. |
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From : SHIRLEY K BEMENDERFER
Location : FORT [IERCE , FLORIDA |
Question :
I need to find out if i am registered with SBA and or SBADB. I don't remember if I ever finalized my application. The company name is, GROUND POUNDERS TRUCKING, LLC, registered in Floirda. If I am registered, please forward to me the certification documents, If I am not registered, please inform me as to how to obtain the certification fast. I am bidding on a job which will give me some creditability if I have the certification. Thank You, Shirley |
Reply :
My best advice and in order to expedite your assistance, I recommend you contact your local SBA office. For location visit www.sba.gov |
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From : Diane Macdonald & Jessie Brown
Location : Trinidad , Colorado |
Question :
We have a Duplex in Marathon, Fla. We have owned it since 1995 & lived in it till 2002. This year we did not recieve the usual tax info, which we put in writing to change mailing address in 2002 & have recieved until this year. I called down to Monore Tax Office & was informed that they"updated"their computers & sent the info to my tenents at the duplex because they lost the new address, so I asked for them to fax me the tangible tax form & property form so that we could do our taxes & pay them. Well, when they did they also sent us a form for an application for local business tax & a form with a note asking if we owned the whole duplex & that it has been"on the roll"since 1995, also to contact them for the "amount due"because we needed a county license.We were never informed by them, the bank with the morgage or the original owners that we needed a business license in all the years we have paid taxes. How can they demand that we pay for back licensing since 1995 when we were never informed that we needed one to begin with. They obviously knew we owned the duplex because they have been charging us with a tangible tax(we thought that was all we needed to pay for a duplex). Please advise on what we need to do. dmmacdo_85@msn.com |
Reply :
Counties and cities have local regulations which small businesses must also adhere to. You may wish to consult an attorney or local accountant for assistance. |
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From : Earl Bender
Location : Ridgeway , MO |
Question :
I have started a refuse collection business for small towns in rural missouri as an IC one of the municipalities is saying I have to have WC insurance. I am the sole owner/operator of this business, is what they are telling me true? |
Reply :
You may wish to consult your local legal counsel and/or insurance agent for assistance. |
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From : Sharon Busbey
Location : Kansas City , Mo |
Question :
What takes place at a regulatory fairness hearing? |
Reply :
At typical hearing, the National Ombudsman and the Regional Regulatory Fairness Board makes opening comments, then the hearing is focused on the small businesses' concerns. It is important to get outside the Washington beltway, to listen, learn from, and better understand the concerns impacting small businesses from a Federal regulatory environment perspective. After the comments filed either orally or written, the National Ombudsman's office works with the Federal Agencies to address your concerns. For a calendar of RegFair hearings visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman |
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From : Sam
Location : Santa Ana , California |
Question :
What are the kinds of business loans the SBA provides? |
Reply :
The only loans issued by the SBA are disaster assistance loans. The SBA guarantees bank or credit union loans. |
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From : Karen Schoner
Location : Chicago , ILL. |
Question :
I understand that your office serves as the go-between point for small business and federal regulatory agencies -- where do businesses turn when there's an issue with the SBA. How does the SBA make a determination on what a small business is? |
Reply :
Great question. Visit www.sba.gov/size. You will find a table of all industries. The size is either determined by number of employees or annual revenue based on the industry. |
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From : Terry
Location : Mesa , Arizona |
Question :
Hello Mr. Owens, my question is this: How do I obtain funding to start a business with no credit or money?? |
Reply :
Coupled with a solid business plan, you may wish to consult with a local bank or credit union. Also, family and friends may be helpful. Best wishes! |
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From : Eddie
Location : Adamsville , Alabama |
Question :
Where can I get help to help establish New Homes or Revamp Older Homes for lower income familys. Thanks for any help. EddieTexan@aol.com |
Reply :
You may wish to visit www.hud.gov. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a myriad of programs to work with small businesses toward helping more Americans achieve homeownership. |
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From : Dr. Samuel Nwojo
Location : Houston , Texas |
Question :
I am planning to register a one-owner business entity in Texas, How can I do it? I do not want to resisger the name as "dba" or "assumed name". Please help. |
Reply :
I would suggest consulting an attorney or CPA for assistance. However, you may also contact the Texas Department of Commerce or the TX Secretary of State's office. |
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From : Hiam Thomas
Location : Houston , TX |
Question :
What is considered a Small Business according to House Bill 366, 64th? |
Reply :
You may visit www.sba.gov/size to view the standard for deternming a small business. Also, for additional information regading a bill, you may visit www.thomas.gov. |
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From : Ed Farmer
Location : Los Angeles , Ca. |
Question :
Hi Nicholas, If I attend one of your regulatory fairness hearings and testify about the enforcement issue with my business, how long will it take before I will get a response from the agency that has penalized my company? |
Reply :
The time varies based on the complexity of the issues. For example, an issue with the IRS may take longer due to the complexity of the comment. However, we request a response within thirty days. |
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From : Loretta Douglas
Location : Birmingham , Alabama |
Question :
How can I file a complaint against an agency for making it hard for me to run my business? I run a day care center with five employees and the local Labor Department is making unfair demands in regards to hour and wage issues? |
Reply :
We do assist small businesses with wage and hours concerns. Please file a comment online at www.sba.gov/ombudsman. |
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From : Melinda Waters
Location : Little Rock , Arkan. |
Question :
What does the national ombudsman do on behalf of entreprenerus? |
Reply :
The National Ombudsman seeks fairness in the enforcement actions by Federal agencies. |
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From : Toby Chandler
Location : Phoenix , Arizona |
Question :
Hi Mr Owens. This chat is for how small businesses can get help with unfair/excessive federal regulations. How does this help my small construction business? |
Reply :
If your business has experienced unfair or excessive Federal regulatory enforcement action, you may file a comment with our office at www.sba.gov/ombudsman. |
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From : Chris Perez
Location : San Antonio , Texas |
Question :
What kind of small business help does the SBA offer? |
Reply :
A wealth of resources are available for America's entrepreneurs at www.sba.gov |
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From : Nathaniel Parks
Location : Richmond , Va. |
Question :
I own a small business that has been contracted by DOD to produce parts for armed tanks. Recently, I beleive I was unfairly penalized by the DOD, who claimed there was a problem with one of our manufacturing procedures. I think that I have a valid complaint; on the other hand, I'm also afraid of losing all future contracts if I seek assistance from the national ombudsman's office. What else can I do? |
Reply :
I recommend that you contact the Office of Small Business Programs for the U.S. Department of Defense. You may find the office online. |
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From : Paula Goodwin
Location : Chicago , Ill. |
Question :
Is there information on your site about regulatory fairness? How can I get more information. |
Reply :
You can visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman for information regarding issues within the purview of the National Ombudsman. Also, you will find examples of successful outcomes in addressing the concerns brought to this office's attention. |
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From : Mike Messer
Location : Springfield , MO |
Question :
When does the chat start. |
Reply :
It's started. Thanks for your interest. |
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From : Claire Billingsley
Location : San Diego , California |
Question :
Hi Nichols, what if a small business has had repeated unannounced excessive enforcement visits from OSHA. As a business owner I realize that OSHA has a job to do, but each and every time my customers are not being attended because OSHA demands full attention. My sales have dropped and my customers have become agitated. Could OSHA at least schedule some of their visits so that I can be sure there is sufficient staff available to attend to my customers and OSHA? Thank you. |
Reply :
Your concern is within the purview of this office. In order to expedite attention to your concern, please visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman and click "File a Comment". Upon receiving your electronic comment form, we will begin the process of contacting the Department of Labor to see a review of the fairness of the concerns of excessive inspections. |
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From : Thomas Sheridan
Location : Philadelphia , Pa |
Question :
if you know you have a great idea but dont have the money to get it up and running what are your best options to find investors for your business(without telling your idea to the world) |
Reply :
Please visit www.sba.gov for how to start a small busines. Also, you can always consider your local bank or credit union, and family and friends. Best wishes with your endeavor! |
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From : Martin Allen
Location : Ft Worth , Tx |
Question :
What help is available for small businesses that are having these kinds of problems? |
Reply :
Small business owners may contact our office if they have concerns of unfair or excessive Federal regulatory enforcement. After contacting our office we work with the Federal agency in seeking an independent, high-level review of your concern. We request the agency to respond to our office within 30 days. Considering the outcome, we notify the small busines commenter and see further review if deemed appropriate. |
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From : T Kramer, M Zients, P Scruton
Location : Boca Raton , FL |
Question :
How will small busines owner reach teh ombudsman? |
Reply :
We are available via e-mail at ombudsman@sba.gov, toll free 888-REG-FAIR, or through the mail National Ombudsman, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third St, SW, Washington, DC 20416 |
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From : John McGlen
Location : Atlanta , GA |
Question :
Mr. Owens, What kind of complaints does your office typically receive? |
Reply :
The complaints relate to concerns of unfair or excessive Federal regulatory enforcement. Examples include excessive fines/penalties, burdensome compliance action, concerns of retaliation, repetitive audits, investigations, or audits. However, recognizing that often small business owners contact the National Ombudsman as the last resort, we work to not turn the issues away. We prefer refer them to the appropriate agency or employee who may be most helpful. |
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