The Small Business Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Succeed in Your Small Business, 3rd Edition

Chapter 9

Getting Help

In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.

—Paul Harvey

As exciting as it is, starting a new business can easily be just as overwhelming. There will be days—many, in fact—when you will be the president, chief financial officer, marketing genius, and receptionist. . .and that is just before noon! Even worse, you will need to understand not only the part of the business that you love but everything else, too—advertising, law, insurance, team building, and so on. Of course, buying this book (thank you very much!) is one way to get up to speed, but happily, there are others. In this chapter, we will explore the resources you can tap to get the help you need. You are not alone.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

What would you say if I told you that there is an agency in the federal government with a multibillion-dollar budget whose sole function is to help you succeed? That would be a pretty good partner to have, wouldn't you say? Well there is, and it is. According to my friend Hector Barreto, former head of the SBA, it is the agency's job to “advise, counsel, assist, and protect America's small business.” It does so in a variety of ways:

• In its field offices throughout the United States, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam, the SBA offers classes, counseling, and a variety of programs designed to help small businesses succeed.
• As discussed in the previous chapter, the SBA's loan guarantee program enables entrepreneurs ...