The Small Business Administration (SBA) was founded on July 30, 1953 to help assist small businesses with advocacy, loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance. SBA provides assistances primarily through its four programmatic functions: [1]

• Access to Capital (Business Financing) – SBA provides small businesses with an array of financing for small businesses from the smallest needs in microlending — to substantial debt and equity investment capital (venture capital).
• Entrepreneurial Development (Education, Information, Technical Assistance & Training): SBA provides free individual face-to-face, and internet counseling for small businesses, and low-cost training to nascent entrepreneurs and established small businesses in over 1,800 locations throughout the United States and US territories.
• Government Contracting (Federal Procurement): In keeping with the mandate of Section 15(g) of the Small Business Act, SBA’s Office of Government Contracting sets goals with other federal departments and agencies to reach the statutory goal of 23 percent in prime contract dollars to small businesses. This office also provides small businesses with subcontracting procurement opportunities, outreach programs, and training.
• Advocacy (Voice for Small Business): Created in 1978, this Office reviews Congressional legislation and testifies on behalf of small businesses. It also assesses the impact of the regulatory burden on behalf of small businesses. Additionally, it conducts a vast array of research on American small businesses and the small business environment. The Chief Counsel of this office is appointed by the President of the United States.

Website: Small Business Administration

 

The Small Business Administration provides help for:

• Apply for HUBZone Status
• Business laws and regulations
• Counseling
• Exporting and Importing
• Financing
• Growing your business
• Marketing
• Permits and licenses
• Starting a business
• Training
• Working with the Government
• Writing a business plan
• Much More

– See Small Business Program Decision Chart

 

AcqLinks and References:

• FAR Part 19 “Small Business”
• DoD Directive 4205.01 “DoD Small Business Programs”
• DoD Instruction 5134.04 “Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization”
• [1] Website: Federal Acquisition Regulations (HOME)
• Website: DoD Office of Small Business Programs
• Website: Air Force Office of Small Business Programs
• Website: Navy Office of Small Business Programs
• Website: Army Office of Small Business Programs