 Meet SBA's 25th Administrator Linda McMahon  SBA Online Courses Go to www.sba.gov for information on SBA programs and services.
 Veterans, whether you are starting or growing your business, SBA can help. Visit the resources SBA has for Veterans here. 8 Easy Businesses to Start Sam Walton was an ex-retail employee who got the idea to buy a little five and dime store in a small town in Arkansas. That small beginning eventually became Walmart, a global giant that today has over 11,000 stores. Sometimes entrepreneurs dream about an aha, world-changing tech business. They struggle to come up with a unique idea. But the most enduring businesses often begin as simple ideas. The Top 3 Things That Infuriate Today's Franchise Buyers Do you remember the last major purchase you made? If so, would you describe it as being a smooth, easy process, or a difficult, frustrating one that infuriated you to no end? If it was a smooth transaction, congratulations! But if it wasn't, and you happen to be thinking about buying a franchise-which is a major purchase, this article is for you. Writing YOUR Success Story It's the classic opening to our favorite fairy tales. As children we dream of magic potions and knights in shining armor that will provide our happily ever after. How were we to know that our own hard work, skill and determination could be far more effective? 5 Mid-Year Tax Planning Strategies For many small business owners, thinking about taxes occurs only twice a year … when returns are being prepared and perhaps at the end of the year. This is a mistake. With half of 2017 over, now is a great time to assess where you stand and to take action that will be helpful to your 2017 tax bill. How To Overcome The Fear Of Being Your Own Boss
I'd like to start out by telling you that it's perfectly normal to be fearful about owning a franchise business-or any business. As a matter of fact, if you weren't afraid, it would cause me worry. But if you'd really like to be your own boss, there are ways to overcome some of the fears you're feeling. I'll go over a few of them in this post.  Contracting: Does Your Small Business Qualify? Small businesses do big business with the federal government. Think about the possibilities of generating sales and revenue with the government. Did you know the federal government buys nearly $100 billion worth of goods and services from small businesses each year? Government contracts can offer significant opportunities for small businesses, but selling to the government requires a very different approach than selling to the commercial sector. Understand how to: - Qualify as a small business
- Determine your NAICS code
- Register for government contracting
Learn more SBA Region IV Office 233 Peachtree St. NE Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30303 region_4@sba.gov 470-891-5509 (temporary number)
Leadership: Mark S. Hayward Regional Administrator (A) SBA Region IV Office Staff:
Tawana Farley, Regional Office Manager tawana.farley@sba.gov 470-891-5512 Lola Kress, Regional Communications Director lola.kress@sba.gov 404-330-4737  | | @SBASoutheast |
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By Mark S. Hayward, Regional Administrator (A), Region 4 | |  |
Are you looking to grow and diversify your small business? This summer may be the perfect time to strategically place your business on the global playing field. How do you begin the journey to find work with local, state or federal governments? The below checklist provides information on general requirements that need to be addressed by businesses entering the government contracting arena; a perfect starting place for you. And please remember: you are never alone on this journey. The SBA is here to assist you every step of the way. Begin Your Journey To Success Here: CLICK HERE
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Thomas A. Todt, District Director |
SBA Alabama District Office staff and resource partners worked together at a recent networking and matchmaker event to help small businesses do business with the State of Alabama. Approximately 100 attendees participated in the event, hearing from representatives of more than a dozen state procurement representatives. The event, at the Jackson Centre in Huntsville, was sponsored by TechRich for companies wanting to learn more about doing business with the State of Alabama. TechRich, the Technology Regional Innovation Cluster-Huntsville, is a contractual operating unit of the Catalyst. The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship (formerly the Women's Business Center of North Alabama) is a key District Office resource partner that provides outreach and assistance to small businesses in the entire Tennessee Valley area.  Above from left to right: Susan Gray-Administrative Data Entry Clerk for The Catalyst; Joanne Randolph-President and CEO of The Catalyst; Carol Ann House, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, Alabama District Office; Jennifer Brinkley-TechRich Project Manager; L. D. Ralph, Lead Lender Relations Specialist, Alabama District Office; Meagan Reeves-Client Relations Manager, The Catalyst.  | |
Wilfredo J. Gonzalez,
District Director |
SBA & Police Athletic League Team Up For Scholarship Fund For At-risk Youth: The SBA North Florida District Office recently participated in a tour of the University of North Florida (UNF). Wilfredo Gonzalez, District Director is a Board of Trustee Member at the University of North Florida and also on the Sherriff's Advisory Council of the Jacksonville Police Athletic League. He recently worked with both organizations to help create a scholarship fund for at-risk youth through PAL. Last week, 25+ students toured UNF and learned about programs available through the College of Engineering and other campus colleges. Mr. Gonzalez was accompanied by Gilbert Colón, Deputy District Director and Nayana Sen, Public Affairs Specialist. The team also provided information to the students and faculty on starting a business. The event was covered by local media (pictured below).  |
Government Contracting Summit: The SBA North Florida District Office recently hosted a government contracting summit attracting 110 attendees to hear from various panelists and presenters. The Small Business Summit included workshops, panels discussions, networking, and a matchmaker session where over 105 attendees were matched to 13 agencies. The event was facilitated by Thaddeus Hammond, SBA Business Opportunity Specialist; Rosalind Bryant, SBA Lender Relations Specialist; and Natalie Hall, SBA Economic Development Specialist.  Pictured Above: Front Row L to R: Derrick Willoughby, Business Opportunity Specialist; Donna Padgug, Economic Development Specialist; Jackie Gardner, Administrative Officer/ Business Opportunity Specialist; Natalie Hall, Economic Development Specialist; and Carmen Gonzalez, Business Opportunity Specialist. Back Row L to R: Thaddeus Hammond, Business Opportunity Specialist; Rosalind Bryant, Lender Relations Specialist; and Jay Choi, Business Opportunity Specialist.  | |
Francisco A. Marrero, District Director |
At the mid-point in our calendar year, our district would like to congratulate our lender partners that have recently received Preferred Lender, Certified Lender and Express Lender statuses:  We'd also like to congratulate Neighborhood Lending Partners of West Florida on their approval as our newest Community Advantage Lender. Our Agency is dedicated to providing diverse access points for capital through our guaranteed loan programs. Through the relationships we have with our lending partners, our District is on pace to exceed $1B in lending for the third year in a row. Also this month, the 2017 Atlantic Coast Hurricane season kicked off on June 1 and this year marks the 25th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew. I, like many others, may not have lived in South Florida when this unfortunate devastation rocked the community to the core. Recovery efforts from Andrew spanned over many years for residential and business owners, and unfortunately, many were unable to return to life as they knew it before the event. Some businesses closed temporarily and many never recovered. For those who sought SBA assistance, the agency approved 23,387 loans for a total of $656M in disaster funds. The "return to whole" motto is something I hold near and dear which is why I've charged my team with an all-out education effort to ensure our communities are aware of the top-notch services available from the SBA's Disaster Team. I also ask that you make a concerted effort to brief your respective small businesses on disaster preparedness steps they should take to ensure their families and employees are ready to operate with minimal delay, in the event a disaster strikes.  | |
Terri L. Denison,
District Director |
The Georgia District Office recently hosted the first of a series of "Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs" workshops and roundtables. This event, exclusively for existing business owners, brought together experts from the SBA, lending institutions, SCORE, Women's Business Centers, accountants and venture capitalists. The goal of the workshop is to move beyond the basic overview classes, typically attended by those looking to start a business, to offer actionable insights and resources for businesses that are looking to scale. Attendees were able to ask underwriters, others in the loan approval process, how to increase their chances of getting loans approved. Additionally, the lenders described the types of businesses they like to finance as well as the various ways to build business relationships with them. More than 60 entrepreneurs attended the three-hour session, hosted at the Georgia District Office's new training facility located in downtown Atlanta.  | |
Ralph E. Ross,
District Director |
SBIR Road Tour Returning to Kentucky The SBA Kentucky District Office will be hosting another SBIR Road Tour this year, as it did in 2015. There will be a stop in Lexington, KY on July 21 as part of its 11-state, 15-city road tour. This year's SBIR Road Tour, "Seeding America's Future Innovations," is a national outreach effort to convey the technology funding opportunity provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Federal and State Program Managers representing $2.5 billion in early stage funding have been invited to present at a series of events to technology entrepreneurs and innovation supporters from across the U.S. Federal Program Officers and conference speakers will be available for 15-minute prescheduled one-on-one meetings during the conference. Details for requesting one-on-ones will be included in the "registration confirmation" email. One-on-one meetings occur all day, by appointment. Early registration fees are available through July 10, 2017. Additional information can be found at www.sba.gov/ky under "Small Business Events." Certification Workshops State-wide: The SBA Kentucky District Office will also be participated in a series of Small Business Certification workshops around Kentucky this summer. Details are available at www.sba.gov/ky under "Small Business Events."  | |
Janita R. Stewart, District Director |
Market Research For Your Business A Free Workshop from the SBA's Gulfport Branch Office July 19, 2017 12-1:45pm Hancock Bank Plaza 2510 14th St. Suite 103 Gulfport, MS. 39501 Market research is the systematic gathering, cataloging and analysis of data used to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Good research gives a business the information it needs to identify and reach a target market at a price customers are willing to pay. This workshop provides a detailed overview of the market research process and how it can be adapted to your business venture. Along with the core aspects of market research, the class entails effective methods for identifying opportunities that leads to a plan of action. Numerous sources and examples will be provided during the session. This workshop will better prepare you and your business when approaching commercial lenders. To register, email Derek Eady at derek.eady@sba.gov or call (228) 863-4449 Ext. 223
Gulfport Branch Office Workshops
can be found online at: www.sba.gov/events Filter by District Office & choose Mississippi
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Lynn L. Douthett, District Director |
Marketplace 2017 On May 29, 2017, SBA North Carolina district staff participated in Marketplace, an annual statewide contracting conference. Marketplace is the largest procurement conference in the state and is hosted by the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center. Over 300 attendees took part in the day-long event which included procurement workshops, a luncheon, and networking opportunities for small businesses. Contracting officers from over 50 federal, state, and local government agencies as well as prime contractors participated in Marketplace.  (Above) SBA Business Opportunity Specialist Bob Tarleton assists a Marketplace attendee.  (Above) SBA Raleigh Senior Area Manager Patrick Rodriguez (center) and SBA Business Opportunity Specialist Joe Ann Shaeffers (right) presented a workshop on federal government certifications. SBA 8(a) & Government Contracting Webinars – 4th Tuesday of Every Month The SBA North Carolina District hosts a monthly workshop series on government contracting topics. Did you know that the Federal Government is the world's largest buyer of goods and services, spending over $500 billion every year? Would you like to find out how your business can access the federal marketplace? Attend an SBA webinar on SBA Procurement Programs, Tools and Resources hosted by the North Carolina District Office. If you are interested in discovering programs designed to enhance federal and non-federal procurement opportunities for your small business, you can learn how SBA can help. For a list of dates and topics, click here. For more information, e-mail Joeann.Shaeffers@sba.gov. When: 4th Tuesday of the Month 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Call: 888-858-2144;
Log on: Click
Meeting Access Code: 6906107# The North Carolina District Office hosts this workshop from 9-11 a.m. every 2nd Tuesday. 6302 Fairview Road, Suite 300, Charlotte. No RSVP needed - sign in at seminar. Federal certifications to be discussed: Woman-Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Veteran and Service Disabled Veteran Program, 8(a) Business Development Program, and HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program. If you can't come in person, attend via phone and web. Dial in: 888-858-2144.
Log on: Click
Meeting Access Code: 6906107#  | | Richard(Gregg) G. White, Deputy District Director |
Savannah Wilburn, SBA Economic Development Specialist, and Frank Anderson, SBA Lender Relations Specialist, attended the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Construction Trade Fair on June 16. SBA had a table at the event and promoted contracting, capital, and counseling resources to over 100 businesses and organizations. NAMC assists members with building capacity by providing access to opportunity, advocacy, and contractor development training.  | | LaTanya D. Channel, District Director |
Tennessee District Office Kicks Office Contracting and Financing Workshops With the population boom in Nashville over the last year, the SBA Tennessee District Office began hosting "Coffee Tea, and Contracting" and "Financing the SBA Way Brown Bag Lunch and Learn" in May and June to address a growing need for training of existing and potential new small businesses. These workshops attracted new, potential and existing small businesses from all over the state. They were educational, informative and interactive. Between the two events held thus far, we have attracted over 40 individuals. We These will continue into the foreseeable future on a monthly basis. "Coffee Tea, and Contracting" debuted on May 2, 2017, and the second session occurred on June 6, 2017. Other sessions will be held on August 1, September 5, and October 3, 2017. "Financing the SBA Way Brown Bag Lunch and Learn" started on June 1, 2017. Future sessions will occur on October 5 and December 7, 2017. Also, there are plans to expand these trainings to other markets. The "Coffee Tea, and Contracting" offer the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the Small Business Certification Programs and the SBA Mentor Protégé Program. SBA Specialists discuss and take questions on the Small Business Contracting and Certification Programs. These programs include the following: - 8(a) Business Development Program
- HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Program
- Women Owned Small Business Program
- Economically Women Owned Small Business Program
- Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Program
- Mentor Protégé Program
"Financing the SBA Way Brown Bag Lunch and Learn" sessions include the dispelling of the myth that SBA provides grants to start or operate a small and a robust description of our financial assistance and counseling programs. Participants can ask questions of SBA staff and each session is tailored to the interest of the participants. Interested individuals should register for the next "Coffee Tea, and Contracting" session, please register here. For those interested in the next "Financing the SBA Way Brown Bag Lunch and Learn" session, please register here. |
