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SBA has the resources to help your business succeed

There's never been a better time to start a small business. As the U.S. Small Business Administration's Illinois District Director, I have the pleasure of talking to small business owners who have taken the plunge and invested their time and money into making their dreams come true. Entrepreneurship carries both risks and rewards, and the SBA can help you navigate challenges as you start or grow your small business. Here are some good places to start:

• Visit a resource partner: SCORE — a national organization of experienced executives who provide workshops, one-on-one guidance and mentoring — has chapters throughout the state, including a North Cook and Lake Counties Chapter (northchicago.score.org) and a Fox Valley Chapter (foxvalley.score.org). A robust network of Small Business Development Centers coordinated through the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, as well as Women's Business Centers and Veteran's Business Outreach Centers, also provide free one-on-one expert business advice and low-cost training in finance, management, marketing, e-commerce and social media, as well as access to all of the SBA's financial and procurement assistance programs. Visit the “Local Assistance” section of sba.gov and input your ZIP code to find a list of service providers near you.

#8226; Get funding: . The SBA doesn't lend money directly to small business owners, but we can still help entrepreneurs at all stages access capital to start a business, buy machinery, or finance a large order. The SBA's loan guarantee reduces some risk for the lending partners and increases opportunities for small businesses. These loans generally have competitive rates and fees, lower down payments, flexible overhead requirements, and no collateral needed in some cases. If you're ready to explore your options, Lender Match is a free online referral tool to connect business owners with SBA-approved lenders. Answer a few questions, and within two days you'll receive an email with contact information for lenders who express interest in your loan. (If your responses indicate you're not quite ready, we'll connect you with resource partners to help strengthen your business plan.) Visit sba.gov/lendermatch to start the process

#8226; Access government contracts: The U.S. government buys everything #8212; from pencils to tanks #8212; and is required by law to provide opportunities for small businesses. We know the procurement process can be intimidating to small business owners, but again, the SBA can guide you through the process. Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or PTACs, can help you determine if your business is ready for government contracting, register in the proper databases, and find and bid on contracts. You can also gain a competitive edge through programs for women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.

No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, I hope you'll consider teaming up with the SBA. Small businesses create jobs, lift up their communities, and fuel the economy #8212; so when you succeed, we all succeed. Keep in touch with us at www.sba.gov or on Twitter @SBA_Illinois, and text SBA to GOV311 (468311) to receive a link to subscribe for email updates.

We look forward to working with you.

#8226; Robert Steiner is director for the SBA Illinois District

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