SBA Assistance Programs | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was formed in 1953 to assist and protect the interests of small businesses. Since its debut, the SBA has developed numerous assistance programs to help startups and growing businesses. In that time, nearly 20 million small businesses have received direct or indirect help from these programs. Your small business may be able to benefit from one of these programs, too, if you:

Are a minority, a woman or a veteran.
Are faced with a natural disaster.
Live in certain economically disadvantaged areas.
Need financing.
Want to start or expand an export business.
Want to purchase certain natural resources.
Want to participate in technology research and development.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Minority development programs

The SBA offers two minority development programs: the 8(a) Business Development Program and the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification Program. The 8(a) program offers a wide variety of assistance to economically and socially disadvantaged firms, such as those owned by veterans, women and minorities. The SDB certification program provides assistance with federal procurement and makes companies eligible to for special bidding benefits.

I recommend: The SBA now has a new, streamlined electronic application for both 8(a) and SDB certification. If you prefer, you can download the application forms.

Disaster assistance

The SBA offers long-term, low-interest loans to help you get your business back into gear after floods, fire or other disasters. It also offers tips on disaster preparedness to help you prevent serious business disruptions and damage.

I recommend: From the Disaster Assistance page on the SBA Web site, you can apply for special loans.

HUBZone program

The SBA's HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) stimulates economic development by providing federal contracting preferences to small businesses that have obtained HUBZone certification. Eligibility requirements include employing people who live in a HUBZone or having a principal office in one.

I recommend: Use the HUBZone electronic application to apply for HUBZone certification online. Find out if your business is located in a HUBZone or if there's one near you.

Financial assistance

The SBA offers several loan programs to help small businesses secure necessary funds. The SBA's primary lending program is its basic 7(a) Loan Guaranty, which can go as high as $2 million. The 504 loan program offers long-term, fixed-rate financing to expanding small businesses to acquire equipment, machinery or real estate. The SBA Micro Loan program offers loans up to $35,000 for terms up to six years.

I recommend: Get a snapshot of the various SBA loan programs, check out how to apply for a loan and consult a loan package checklist. Get the details on how to prequalify for a loan.

Export assistance

The SBA offers a wealth of export assistance, including market information and special purpose loans for export working capital, international trade and more. The U.S. Export Assistance Centers are one-stop shops where you can get the assistance you need to launch or expand an export venture.

I recommend: Download an export working capital program loan application and discover if you qualify for an international trade loan. Visit or contact a U.S. Export Assistance Center for all your exporting concerns.

Natural Resources Assistance Program

The federal government sells large quantities of natural resources, along with real and personal property. The SBA Natural Resources Assistance Program ensures that small businesses obtain a fair share of those resources and property through small business set-asides.

I recommend: Get more information on the Natural Resources Assistance Program, the types of natural resources available for sale and how you can find out about scheduled sales.

Technology assistance

The SBA offers two technology assistance programs: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR). The SBIR reserves a percentage of federal Research & Development (R&D) funds for small businesses, giving them the opportunity to explore technological innovations and enabling them to compete on the same level as larger businesses in this arena. STTR reserves a percentage of federal R&D funds for joint ventures between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions.

I recommend: Get the details on the SBIR and STTR programs.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

The SBA offers special programs and advice for women, Native Americans, veterans, young entrepreneurs, and other minority business owners.
There's no such thing as free money, so don't just approach the SBA with your hand out.
The more time you spend on the SBA Web site, the more you'll discover: regulatory alerts, state economic profiles, a business law library, free newsletters, and much more.