SBA > Services > Special Audiences

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Special Audiences

The SBA is a strong advocate of minority and special audiences. Whether you’re looking for information on programs and services in support of women entrepreneurs, veteran’s business development, Native Americans, special minority programs including HUBZone, Small Disadvantaged Business Certification and 8(a) business development, you’ll find it here. Additionally, we’ve devoted an entire site to young entrepreneurs – the future of America’s small businesses and international trade. Topics include:

  • Women Entrepreneurs
  • Veterans
  • Native Americans
  • Minorities
  • Young Entrepreneurs
  • International Trade
  • En Espanol

Women

Women business owners are critically important to the American economy. America’s 9.1 million women-owned businesses employ 27.5 million people and contribute $3.6 trillion to the economy. However, women continue to face unique obstacles in the world of business.

The SBA is a very strong advocate for women entrepreneurs and offers many programs and services to help them succeed. The following resources offer unique opportunities and guidance for women entrepreneurs:

  • Online Women’s Business Center
  • Gateway for women-owned businesses selling to the government
  • Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century
  • Women’s Business Ownership

Veterans

Office of Veterans Business Development

OVBD is dedicated to serving the veteran entrepreneur by formulating, executing and promoting policies and programs of the agency that provides assistance to veterans seeking to start and develop small businesses.

Native Americans

Office of Native American Affairs

The Office of Native American Affairs ensures that American Indians, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians seeking to create, develop and expand small businesses have full access to the necessary business development and expansion tools available through the Agency’s entrepreneurial development, lending and procurement programs.

Minorities

Opportunity Gaps

Small business is America’s most powerful engine of opportunity and economic growth. For millions of Americans, starting a business is the best opportunity to turn a dream into reality.

However, barriers to opportunity still prevent some individuals from taking full advantage of the opportunity to own a small business. By expanding the ability for more Americans to realize their business ownership dreams, the foundation of the economy will be further diversified and strengthened. The SBA seeks to foster an environment where small businesses can overcome barriers to economic opportunity in all areas of business development, including government contracting. This assistance will provide greater economic opportunity that will further contribute to the growth of the American economy.

SBA strives to reach those sectors of the population currently underserved by its programs, including ethnic populations, women, veterans, and both urban and rural businesses. The following resources offer opportunities and assistance.

Federal Contracting Opportunities for Minority-Owned Businesses

  • HUBZone Empowerment Contracting
  • Small Disadvantaged Business Certification
  • 8(a) Business Development

Young Entrepreneurs

The future of American enterprise is being shaped by young people of today who are filled with dreams, have a passion for change, hope for the future and a desire to succeed. Pursuing business knowledge at an early age is an important ingredient for future success.

The following resources are designed specifically for young people who are interested in following their entrepreneurial dreams:

  • Teen Business Link
  • YoungBiz
  • Kids Learning Programs
  • Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • Mind Your Own Biz

International Trade

The mission of SBA’s Office of International Trade is to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in the global marketplace; facilitate access to capital to support international trade; ensure that the interests of small business are considered and reflected in trade negotiations; and support and contribute to the U.S. Government’s international agenda.

Source: www.sba.gov