Your local government offers a public program that will deliver free ice cream to your doorstep at your request!

Ok that’s not exactly true, but they offer something that’s almost as good. We’re talking about the SBA (Small Business Administration)– a U.S. Government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses for FREE. Yup, this time we’re not joking.

If you have a question, any question, the SBA has an answer. It’s kind of like Siri for small businesses, but better because you get to talk to a real human being and they will actually provide you with a useful answer (sorry, Siri). Moreover, they are set up by county so their information is specific to the business conditions and regulations under which your business will operate. Even better, they’ll meet with you as many times as you want.

Kseniia and I had a pleasure to meet 4 times so far with Tara Palacios (Director of BizLaunch, Arlington’s small business and entrepreneurial assistance program) and inspiring Joe Clarke (SCORE Counselor). They have provided us with lots of helpful information about permits, licenses, state laws, business plans, financial projections, handling investors, and more. They even gave us a list of commercial rental spaces in our area.

There’s one more nice perk offered by the SBA. That is, networking events–a.k.a. the chance to talk business with like minded entrepreneurs who don’t overtly yawn and turn on the TV while your blathering about marginal costs and strategic branding.

Go ahead and test out your county SBA – and let us know how it goes!

Good Luck,
Vitaliy & Kseniia