Small businesses are an integral part of the American economy. If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur looking to start, purchase or expand your business, you can be provided with an extensive list of resources, tools and information to help you succeed. This help can be in the form of grants for a business and government subsidized / affordable loan for a small business.

The type of assistance you can get depends upon the ownership, size, nature & geographic focus of your business. Here are some resources you will find useful, irrespective of whether you are at pre-startup phase, start-up, already in business or expansion & growth phase:

Starting A Small Business

Steps, links and resources to help you start your small business.

Government Small Business Loans

Small Business Loans from government are an easy & affordable tool to help you cover business expenses and equipment. This could include start-up costs, equipment and furniture or could be used for working capital or operating costs. There are many low interest and flexible payment loan options available.

Loan Pre Qualification Program

The Loan Prequalification program gives business owners the opportunity to have their loan application for $250,000 or less reviewed and analyzed by a SBA-designated intermediary before sending it to lenders for consideration.

Small Business Grants

Federally funded small business grants are usually awarded to non-profit organizations who in turn use that money to meet certain specific goals like public welfare, employment creation, training & human resource development, education & much more. This allows them to provide technical and management assistance to small businesses.

Some other business grants are available for businesses related to industries like agriculture, technology, energy conservation, childcare, aqua culture, farming, telecommunications, manufacturing & tourism. But keep in mind that these grants would not necessary all the times fund the complete project cost and some percentage of funding has to come from business owners as well.

Furthremore, these grants can also used to fund the loans, to make them low-cost and easily affordable for eligible business owners. (In that case, the amount of loan is repayable – the grant funds are only used to offset the high cost of loan acquisition .. however, this option is still much more beneficial rather than to acquire a loan from conventional banking institutions).

Free Online Classes

There are many free online business and computer training courses that you can take advantage of. These can be a very valuable resource in helping you to manage your business more effectively and efficiently. These free trainings equip you with complete knowledge of business laws, licensing requirements, financing, accounting, taxation, marketing, management & much more.

Business Organizations & Resources

A must-have list of business organizations and resources that offer support, education, funding and network opportunities for small businesses.

Starting A Green Business

Successful green businesses benefit the environment and society as a whole. A plenty of useful resources are available to help you get started with a green business, or greening your business if you already have one.

Federal Contracting Opportunities – Doing Business with Government

Provides information and links to federal business contracting opportunities. Federal government gives various contracts to small businesses and these contracting opportunities can prove to be very lucrative for your business, irrespective of your business size.

Franchising Business Opportunities

Information and resources to help you make informed decisions when purchasing a franchise or business.