Start a Business, Get a Loan, Receive Support – All Possible with the SBA

– Oksana, could you tell us about your organization? How do you assist small businesses and people affected by wildfires?

– Our organization, the Small Business Administration (SBA), is one of the federal services. We are part of a network of district offices: there are 68 offices across the U.S., including six in California, for example, in San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento. Learn more about funding options due to California wildfires: California wildfires | U.S. Small Business Administration
Our goal is to inform small businesses about available services and support. One of our missions is to help people with a business idea who don’t know where to start. On our website, there are tools to help create a business plan, choose a direction, register a business, develop a marketing strategy, obtain a loan, or find new clients. We do not issue loans directly but provide guarantees through banks, which allows startups to secure funding.

– Are your consultations free or paid?

– These are free services funded by taxes. You can contact us once or on a regular basis, both virtually and in our offices.

– Is there a list of popular businesses that are most likely to succeed?

– Businesses need to remember that thorough market research, a solid business plan, and effective execution are crucial for any business to succeed, regardless of the industry.We do not provide specific recommendations but help conduct market research, build business plan via SBA Resource Partner network of nonprofits that we fund, so they can assist small businesses at no cost. Find your nearest SBA resource partner here: Resource Partners | U.S. Small Business Administration. This is a key step to understanding which products or services are in demand in a particular area or industry. Our website has guides, and our consultants can help assess the viability of your idea.

– Do you also assist businesses affected by recent wildfires in LA?

– Yes, we provide assistance to those affected by natural disasters, including wildfires. SBA offers loans to mitigate their consequences. Currently, those affected by the wildfires in California can apply for recovery loans until March 10 for housing, car purchases, etc., and applications for business recovery loans can be submitted until October 8, 2025. Learn more: California wildfires | U.S. Small Business Administration

For example:

Homeowners and renters – up to $500,000 for primary home repairs and up to $100,000 for restoring appliances, clothing, or vehicles.

Businesses – up to $2 million to restore property, equipment, and other needs.

We also ensure that loans are issued specifically to those affected and consider the presence of insurance coverage.

– How are SBA loans different from regular bank loans?

– Loans obtained through SBA guarantees have advantages: a 12-month payment deferment, no interest during this period, a low rate (up to 4%), flexible repayment terms (up to 30 years), and no penalties for early repayment. SBA also acts as a guarantor if the entrepreneur is unable to repay the loan or if bankruptcy proceedings begin. Learn more: California wildfires | U.S. Small Business Administration

– Is it important to have citizenship or a green card?

– For SBA loans, this is required, but consultations and assistance are available to everyone, regardless of status.

– Do you assist businesses that want to work with federal contracts?

– Yes, we offer certification programs and training for small businesses that want to work with government agencies. For example, the 8(a) program provides access to federal contracts and educational programs. Learn more: 8(a) Business Development program | U.S. Small Business Administration

There’s currently a lot of focus on supporting small businesses. For instance, the IRS has launched a modernization program aimed at digitizing processes. They are seeking small businesses to execute projects like converting documents into PDFs or digital formats. Funding is available for such businesses, and if a company proves itself, it may secure a contract for modernization.

By law, every federal agency is required to allocate 23% of its contracts to small businesses. Often, these opportunities are provided to socially vulnerable groups. See if you are eligible to appy for SBA 8a business development program: 8(a) Business Development program | U.S. Small Business Administration. How to get ready with your application and documents for 8a program: Certify Help Desk - Confluence

How does it work?

To participate, you need to submit an application, which can take up to a year or more to review. For example, if you are a white woman who previously worked in a male-dominated industry where career growth was limited for you, this program opens up new opportunities. Participation allows you to access various contracts and grow your business.

There is also the 504 program, designed for businesses that want to expand but lack the ability to attract additional funds. Thanks to SBA guarantees, this program allows funding of up to $5.5 million.

How does it work?

Imagine you need $1 million for your project. For instance, you are in dentistry and want to expand by purchasing premises and equipment. However, if you’ve been in business for only three years, this is considered a startup, and obtaining a loan for such an amount under normal conditions is difficult (a maximum of $50,000).

If you apply for the 504 program, the process looks like this: SBA and the bank provide the bulk of the amount, and investors contribute 10% to 20%. Investors evaluate your project, its uniqueness, and potential. SBA can also recommend suitable investors.

– Do you need any special education to start your business?

– On our website, you can find a business guide with information on 10 steps to help you start a business. 10 steps to start your business | U.S. Small Business Administration

Additionally, SBA conducts a special program annually. This spring, we will select businesses to provide them with free training to help them understand all aspects of entrepreneurship.

Our graduates are a vivid example that success in business is possible regardless of education level. Among them are people with only a fourth-grade education who built successful businesses, as well as PhD holders who achieved great heights. Of course, if we’re talking about the medical field, higher education is necessary. But in other industries, such as the restaurant business, the desire to work, persistence, and family support are more important.

Education undoubtedly plays a significant role, but real-life success stories show that the main drivers are dreams, determination, and self-belief.

– How quickly can one get a loan?

– Microloans of up to $50,000 can be obtained within a week. For larger loans, the process takes up to 90 days. We also assist with drafting business plans for loan applications.

– What other events do you organize?

– We regularly host events where SBA representatives and other agencies talk about opportunities for small businesses. The next event will take place on February 4, 2025, at 6501 Sylvan Avenue, Citrus Heights, CA 9561. The course is almost full, but if you’re interested, there’s still a chance to sign up. Make sure you send email to Edith Gomez at edith.gomezfletes@sba.gov to secure your seat.