Owning a small business is incredibly gratifying, and it can open up a lot of excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially if you’re making the most of all of the resources that are available to you as a small business/franchise owner.
Having a successful small business starts with having the right resources and network around you, helping you to achieve all of your goals. One of the best online resources for small business owners is the website of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The Small Business Administration is a government agency that offers resources to small business owners through basic information, loans and counseling services.
What the SBA has to offer
To enjoy the greatest possible benefits from the resources that the SBA has to offer, it’s important to understand a little bit more about the different resources that are available to you. The following resources are just a couple key examples of what this agency provides small business owners.
Resource articles
When it comes to small business, the old proverb that knowledge is power holds true. The more you know about small business operation, growth, profitability and regulatory factors, the better equipped you will be to run your small business and reach your goals as an entrepreneur. The SBA website has a library of articles on virtually every business topic, ranging from market research and competitive analysis to business mergers and acquisitions. These articles offer invaluable information to entrepreneurs, completely free of charge, in an easy-to-navigate online format.
Funding programs
Another important resource offered by the SBA are funding programs for small businesses. The SBA acts as a guarantor for loans from financial institutions, mitigating the risk for lenders and making it easier for small businesses to receive loans. Loans guaranteed by the SBA have competitive interest rates and fees, with additional benefits, like lower down payments and flexible overhead requirements, that are designed to accommodate the needs of small business owners.
Small Business Development Centers
For business owners who are seeking more direct help with their businesses, Small Business Development Centers are incredibly valuable resources offered by the SBA. These Development Centers are located across the country and provide key advice and assistance to small businesses. Small Business Development Centers offer free business consulting, low-cost business training and a wealth of additional business resources to entrepreneurs. You can search for local Development Centers in your area using the SBA’s website.
As part of an overarching business strategy, the resources offered by the SBA can play a key role in the overall success of your small business. Using the tools this agency provides, including informational articles, business consulting and lending assistance, you can ensure that you reach all of your business goals.
To learn more about the resources available to small business owners through the SBA, contact Tenet Financial Group. We would be happy to answer your questions and discuss small business funding solutions with you or your clients.