Small Business Administration

Analyze funding opportunities for small businesses, including the role of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Then, evaluate the effectiveness of these funding opportunities in light of the current economy.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

SBA’s Role

SBA provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses that have been specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing.

Funding Opportunities

The S.B.A. provides small businesses with an array of financing from the smallest needs in micro lending to substantial debt and equity investment capital. SBA offers a variety of loan programs for very specific purposes to include General Small Business Loans: 7(a), Microloan Program, Real Estate & Equipment Loans: CDC/504, and the Disaster Loan Program.

For nearly two decades, the Office of Advocacy has provided a yearly review of the small business lending activities of depository lending institutions in the United States using data from the Call Reports (Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income) and the CRA reports required by the...