11.04.19
U.S. SBA Small Business Resource Guide, Indiana 2019-2020
Suzie Haga, WEOC Coordinator
The U.S. SBA Small Business Resource Guide for Indiana is now available for download (or get a printed copy from WEOC at The NIIC). Various resources are available to women business builders throughout the state.
“This is a great tool for all Indiana entrepreneurs, no matter where they are in the small business life cycle,” says U.S. SBA Indiana District Director Stacey Poynter. “For those just starting out, there’s information on where to find help through our resource partners, like WEOC (Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Center), SCORE, or the Indiana Small Business Development Center. There’s also information on funding options, such as U.S. SBA-backed loans and microloans.
This guide addresses topics like:
- The importance of following state and local regulations
- How to write a business plan
- Programs that available for Veterans, entrepreneurs, and Native Americans
- Local funding programs
- Government contracting
“For those looking to grow and expand, we have information on SBA contracting programs that can really give small business owners an advantage when submitting proposal bids for federal government contracts. Bottom line, the U.S. SBA Resource Guide is really a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs to find the resources they need to start, grow, and expand their business.”
Following is some of what you can expect to find in this guide.
Starting a Business—There are many considerations when starting a business, like learning about local, state, and federal regulations, registering your business name, intellectual property, tax considerations, and environmental regulations.
Writing a Business Plan—Business plans can serve as an important tool for investors to use when deciding if they’d like to invest in your business. The U.S. SBA guide outlines a traditional business plan and a lean startup plan, including checklists of what should be included.
Programs for Veterans, Entrepreneurs, and Native Americans—This guide outlines the opportunities available for veterans, including Boots to Business, as well as several other programs targeting women veterans and service-disabled veterans.
For Native Americans, the guide provides a website that lists SBA Entrepreneurial Empowerment Workshops in the area.
Local Funding Programs—The guide includes an extensive list of participating SBA lenders as well as microlenders including website information. Many of the SBA loan programs that are available are outlined in detail.
Government Contracting—There are many opportunities available for entrepreneurs to provide goods and services to the government through government contracting. This includes 8(a) Business Development Program for economically and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs; programs for Service-Disabled Veterans; and HUBZone contracts (did you know WEOC at The NIIC is in a Hub Zone?). There are also tips available for finding government contracting opportunities.
For more information about connecting to Northeast Indiana resources to start, grow, innovate your business, contact us at WEOC or The NIIC.
