Introduction to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Aiding, counseling, and protecting the interests of small businesses to preserve and promote free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of the United States

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an agency of the federal government. Its mission is to work with banks, intermediaries, and other lending institutions to provide loans and venture capital financing to small businesses unable to secure financing through normal lending channels.

Most businesses meet SBA size standards, but check with your local SBA office for additional details.

The majority of SBA's financial assistance is in the form of loan guarantees. The SBA itself does not provide direct loans or grants to small businesses. The SBA also supports other organizations that provide loans, management training, and services for small businesses. Several of those organizations are featured in this directory.

Contact
SBA offices are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. For the office nearest you, look under "U.S. Government" in your telephone directory, or contact:

Phone: (800) U ASK SBA (800-827-5722)
Fax: (704) 344-6769
E-mail: answerdesk@sba.gov
TDD: 704-344-6640
Your rights to regulatory fairness:
1-888-REG-FAIR

Inquire at your local SBA office for the location of the following resources:

• BICs–Business Information Centers
• TBICs–Tribal Business Information Centers
• SCORE–Service Corps of Retired Executives
• SBDCs–Small Business Development Centers
• USEACs–U.S. Export Assistance Centers
• WBCs -Women’s Business Centers

Publications
Call your local SBA office or the SBA Answer desk to obtain:
The Facts About ... SBA Publications — a listing of free SBA publications, or visit the SBA Online library at www.sba.gov/tools/resourcelibrary/index.html.

Internet
www.sba.gov