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RESOURCES

Small Business Administration

Created by Congress in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is one of the main sources of small business assistance and funding in existence. Today, SBA's offices in every state, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico offer finance guarantees (in the form of loan guarantees rather than direct loans or grants), training, and advocacy for small firms. In addition, the SBA works with thousands of lending, educational, and training institutions nationwide. The U.S. Small Business Administration recently refocused its efforts to provide customer-oriented, full-service programs and accurate, timely information to the entrepreneurial community. SBA programs and services include business counseling and training; lending programs; and special focus programs for international trade assistance, women business owners, and Native American Business Owners.

Most SBA staff are not experienced with working with people who have disabilities and their resources may not be accessible to people with special needs. Therefore, it is important that you visit your local SBA Small Business Development Center (SBDC), acquaint yourself with the facility and resources, and meet the staff. Assess their accessibility or lack of it and determine the supports a consumer would need to use its services. A consumer might need you to accompany him or her on one or more visits to the SBA.

Sources of Business Development Assistance

Business Information Centers (BICs) - As the SBA's technology toolbox, the business information center contains business development reference materials, computers and business development software, access to telecommunications, and counselors to help small businesses get started and grow. BIC counseling and training are provided by SCORE (the Service Corps of Retired Executives). There are nearly 40 BICs nationally.

One-Stop Capital Shops (OSCSs) - The One-Stop Capital Shop is the SBA's contribution to the Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities Program (EZ/EC), a federal interagency initiative that provides a variety of resources to designated socially and economically distressed communities. OSCSs offer centralized access to a full range of SBA financial and technical assistance, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector. Within the OSCSs, Business Information Centers offer the latest high-tech hardware, software, interactive videos, telecommunications, and other tools to help the small business owner plan, develop spreadsheets, and access market research databases. Counselors train people on starting, running, and/or growing a small business.

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - This free SBA program matches almost 13,000 volunteers with small businesses needing advice. The volunteers' collective experience spans the full range of American enterprise; they share their management and technical expertise with present and prospective small business owners and managers. There are 388 chapters and 800 other locations.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) - The SBA administers SBDCs to help current and prospective owners develop and manage their small businesses. SBDCs are a cooperative effort of the SBA, private sector, educational community, and state and local governments. There are over 950 SBDCs located primarily at colleges and universities in all 50 states.

The Women's Demonstration Program - This SBA program trains and counsels women in all aspects of owning or managing a business, including financial, management, marketing, technical assistance, and procurement. There are 60 women's business centers nationally.

Women's Network for Entrepreneurial Training (WNET) - This SBA program is available through SCORE and SBDCs. It is a year-long, one-on-one program where established women business owners serve as mentors to protegees who are ready to expand their businesses. There also is a WNET Roundtable that mentors and supports women business owners in a group setting.

Funding

The customer should be expected to contribute as much as possible from his or her own resources. If additional funds are needed for start-up, all options should be considered. Sources of small business funding may include the following:

Commercial Lending Institutions (banks and credit unions) - These loans generally are hard to get. A potential business owner is expected to contribute a minimum of 10% towards the business before the bank considers a loan. A bank also requires collateral (e.g., real estate, vehicle) or co-signer for the loan. Many commercial lending institutions offer the following SBA guaranteed loans. However, one author (Zuckerman, L. 1990) states that most banks will not make an SBA guaranteed loan for less than $100,000.

Program: 7(a) Loan Guaranty - Through 7(a) the SBA guarantees loans to small businesses unable to obtain financing at reasonable terms through normal lending channels. The program promotes small business formation and growth with loans for many business purposes, such as real estate, expansion, equipment, working capital or inventory. Terms are:

The 7(a) Program offers the following loans:

Low Documentation Loan (LowDoc) - This program reduces paperwork for loans of $100,000 or less. In order for the lender to request a LowDoc guaranty, the applicant must submit a one-page application and meet all of the lender's requirements. Approval relies on the strength of the applicant's character and credit history.

CAPLines - CAPLines finances a small businesses' short-term, cyclical working-capital needs. CAPLines funds five types of short-term working capital loans: the Seasonal, Contract, Builder's, Standard Asset-Based, and Small Asset-Based. Under CAPLines, the SBA generally can guarantee up to $750,000.

FA$TRAK - This new loan program is being piloted with selected banks nationwide. FA$TRAK encourages lenders to make more small loans to the small business community. Participating banks can use their own documentation and procedures for loans of up to $100,000. In return, the SBA guarantees up to 50% of each loan.

Minority and Women's Prequalification Loan - This program allows the SBA to pre-qualify a guaranty for loan applications of $250,000 or less before the applicant goes to a bank. The program evaluates an applicant's key financial ratios, business history, loan request terms, character, credit, experience, and reliability rather than assets. Designated intermediaries work with the business owner to review and strengthen the loan application. SBA offers this program through a number of its district offices nationwide - contact your nearest SBA district office to find out if it is available in your area.

Certified Development Companies - A Certified Development Company is a nonprofit corporation contributing to its community's or region's economic development. Nationwide, approximately 290 CDCs work with the SBA and private-sector lenders to finance expansion or modernization of small businesses. Each CDC covers a specific area, providing long-term, fixed-rate financing to small businesses for real estate, machinery, and equipment. At least 10% of the loan amount is provided by the borrower, 50% by an unguaranteed bank loan, and the remainder by an SBA-guaranteed debenture (a maximum of $1 million).

Disabled Assistance Loans - There is no funding for this SBA program. However, people with disabilities may qualify for other SBA programs.

Equity Financing - This is where business funds are provided in return for part ownership. Ownership might be:

A general partnership where the individual participates in management, decisions and profit.

A limited partnership where there is no say in the management or decision making and liability is limited to the investment.

Stock ownership in a corporation where the investor purchases shares of the company.

Family & Friends - Family and friends are the most frequently-used source of business financing. Often family and friends are co-signers for bank loans.

Grant Money - Currently there is no stable and consistent resource for grant monies for people with disabilities who want to start businesses.

Loan Pools or Peer Lending - Peer lending loans are made based on an individual's integrity and character - not on assets or collateral. Each of the 4 to 7 people in the "borrowing group" is a business owner. Each must prove to the group that he or she can repay his or her own loan, and all loans must be current before anyone can borrow more. The group provides monitoring, networking, and support.

For example, Women's Economic Growth (WEG) in Weed, California, was formed in 1988 to improve the economic self-sufficiency of women in Siskiyou County, California. BankAmerica Community Economic Development Initiative funds support WEG’s peer lending program. WEG offers training and technical assistance (in lending and borrowing), peer support, and step-up loans ($1,000 maximum for the first loan, $2,000 maximum for the second loan, etc., based on the group’s repayment history and overall performance). WEG prepares borrowers to move on to other public and private lenders. Peer lending groups complete a six-week certification process so they may act as their own loan committees. Each group resolves its members’ business problems and deals with delinquencies. This labor-intensive approach reduces the risks for both WEG and the borrower.

Microloan Organizations - These nonprofit agencies usually make loans that are less than $10,000 to targeted populations. However, some agencies provide larger loans — up to $25,000. These organizations include:

SBA’s Microloan Program - This SBA program is offered through many microloan organizations. Please see the discussion under "Small Business Development Center."

Minority and Women’s Prequalification Loan - This SBA program is offered through many microloan organizations. Please see the discussion under "Commercial Lending Institutions."

Nontraditional Lenders - These include sources such as The Money Store, AT&T Financial Corp, credit cards, etc.

Owner’s equity - This is the owner’s investment in the business.

Partnership - The business owner partners with one or more others to provide financial support for the business and/or allow each to share complementary strengths. For example, a talented electrician with limited telephone, ordering, organizational, scheduling, customer service, office, and bookkeeping skills might partner with someone skilled in those areas.

Purchase Order Loan - This short-term loan provides working capital to a business. The lender loans money for eligible costs against a signed purchase order.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) - Administered by the SBA, SBDCs help current and prospective small business owners develop and manage their businesses. The SBA, private sector, educational community, and state and local governments cooperate to offer SBDC services. There are over 950 SBDCs located primarily at colleges and universities in all 50 states. Some SBDCs are participating in a pilot Microloan Program that provides short-term, small business loans of up to $25,000 for machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, inventory, supplies, and working capital. The money can not be used to pay existing debts.

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) - This SBA program allows qualified small businesses to propose innovations that meet the Federal Government’s specific research and development needs. Applicants compete for awards to study the feasibility and scientific and technical merit of an idea. These "Phase I" awards are awarded for up to 6 months. Competitive "Phase II" awards expand on the Phase I results and are granted for periods of up to 2 years. "Phase III" awards commercialize the Phase II results with private sector or non-SBIR federal money.

Small Business Investment Company Program (SBIC) - Privately-owned SBIC’s invest in, or loan capital to, small businesses. These for-profit programs invest their own money, plus that from SBA guaranties and/or from sales to the SBA of preferred stock. Although many SBICs invest in a wide variety of businesses, some specialize in certain fields or businesses with new products or services that have strong growth potential.

Social Security Administration (SSA) - In 1994, the social Security Administration developed Social Security Work Incentive Programs to (1) increase employment of current and future SSA disability beneficiaries, (2) increase self-sufficiency, and (3) reduce dependency on SSA benefits. While most of these work incentives are used when a person with a disability works for someone else, two programs — the Impairment Related Work Expense program (IRWE) and the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) program can be used for people who want to start their own businesses. Of the two programs PASS plans are used most often for self-employment. For those who qualify, the PASS plan provides an additional source of business funding that is not accessible to people without disabilities.

Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) - An IRWE enables recipients of SSI benefits to recover some of the costs of work-related expenses incurred as a result of the disability.

Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) - Under this Social Security Work Incentive Program a person may set aside income and/or resources over a specific period of time to fund necessary goods and services to establish a business or to become a partner in an existing business. PASS funding may be used in conjunction with conventional loans and other business finance sources. The Social Security Administration reviews written PASS and business plans before authorizing a PASS.

Venture Capital - Venture capitalists invest in businesses whose owners are "experts in their fields." The businesses must have proven markets and high profit margins and growth rates.

Veterans Administration - The Veterans Administration offers vocational rehabilitation services for veterans whose disability is service connected. Veterans with serious employment handicaps may receive self-employment assistance. Veterans who qualify for assistance, typically people with the most severe disabilities, are considered to require self-employment to achieve a positive rehabilitation outcome. These veterans may receive comprehensive training; minimum stocks of inventory or supplies; essential equipment; technical assistance through the period of start up, and incidental services such as business license fees.

Note: The customer may not be required to accept a loan in order to obtain agency funding, and

PASS Plans are not a mandatory other resource for application. The resources are, however, an option for those who choose to start a business where all costs are not covered in some way by an entity other than the customer.

Programs for Minorities

The Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration funds the Minority Enterprise Development (MED) program. This 8(a) program helps socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners access a variety of business development services. These include the opportunity to receive sole-source or limited-competition federal contracts. Under 8(a), SBA enters into prime contracts with federal departments and agencies who then subcontract with eligible disadvantaged small businesses. Eligible program participants (i.e., people who are developing their businesses) can receive sole source and competitive 8(a) contract support, U.S. surplus property and technology grants, and training in business principles. Transition-stage 8(a) participants (i.e., those moving to competitive markets) receive sole source and competitive 3(a) contract support, U.S.-owned technology and surplus property grants, business principles skills training, help with forming joint ventures, and training/technical assistance in business planning.

U.S. Department of Commerce

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) promotes the establishment and growth of competitive minority-owned businesses. The MBDA awards grants and cooperative agreements to state, county, and city government agencies, profit and non-profit business development organizations, and trade associations to provide management and technical assistance, and market development services to minority entrepreneurs. MBDA does not provide grants or loans for business start-up, expansion, or acquisition. MBDA does help minority entrepreneurs find financing from banks, other private organizations, or government agencies. The MBDA publishes Minority Business Today, Entrepreneurship, Profiles, and the Business Development Center Directory, a listing of MBDA-funded Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Native American Business Development Centers (NABDCs) and Minority Enterprise Growth Assistance Centers (MEGAs).

Current MBDA initiatives include the:

Financial Capital Initiative to increase the availability of debt and equity capital for minority-owned businesses.

Surety Bonding Initiative to increase minority business access to conventional sources of surety bonding for major commercial construction projects.

Franchise Initiative to help minority entrepreneurs with making more informed decisions about the risks and rewards of franchising.

International Trade Initiative to help minority-owned firms become "export-ready."

Telecommunications Initiative to generate investment capital for minority entrepreneurs entering the highly competitive, technology-intensive telecommunications industry.

Native American Initiative to address the special problems of the Native American firms and individuals interested in entering, maintaining or expanding their efforts in the competitive marketplace. NABDCs (Native American Business Development Centers) can provide service to any minority client, but are designed to focus on the unique business needs of the Native American.

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

The DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program provides equal opportunities for women and minorities competing for highway and transit contracts. DOT programs include:

Short-Term Lending Program (STLP) - This program provides short-term working capital at prime interest rates to certified DBE programs for transportation-related projects.

Bonding Assistance Program - This program offers certified DBEs an opportunity to obtain bid, payment, and performance bonds for transportation-related projects.

President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

The President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities facilitates the communication, coordination and promotion of public and private efforts to enhance the employment of people with disabilities. The Committee provides information, training, and technical assistance to America’s business leaders, organized labor, rehabilitation and service providers, advocacy organizations, families; and individuals with disabilities. President’s Committee minority programs include:

Cultural Diversity Initiative - This project improves employment opportunities for minority persons with disabilities. In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) and key minority organizations, a significant part of this project includes training minority individuals with disabilities, who in turn will be able to educate others within their respective communities on the ADA, disability employment issues, and how to compete for grants funded under Titles I through VIII of the Rehabilitation Act. Another aspect of the project involves working with the minority organizations to develop strategies they can pursue to reduce the high unemployment rate of minorities with disabilities.

Organizations Specifically for Persons with a Disability

The President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities’ Promoting Small Business and Self-Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities Project,

202-376-6200 (V)

202-376-6205 (TDD)

info@pcepd.gov

The goal of this project is to identify, on a national level, appropriate resources for planning, training, technical assistance, and capital development for individuals with disabilities who wish to start or expand their own business.

Publications

Many books and publications on starting a business or on developing a business plan are available at bookstores and libraries.

People with Disabilities Developing Self-Employment and Small Business Opportunities, XXIV Institute on Rehabilitation Issues, 1998, Region VI RCEP (501-623-7700). Within this 106 page publication, the VR counselor will find the most current "how to" information that will assist individuals with disabilities in achieving self-employment. The content includes sections on frequently asked questions, staff preparation, business ownership, resources, and successful models of self-employment.

Virginia Business Development Directories:

The publications provide program descriptions so individuals can locate the services or organizations that can address their specific question or need.

Virginia Business Resource Directory: A Guide to Services Available for Existing and Potential Businesses, Virginia Employment Commission, Economic Information Services Division. The Fourth edition is soon to be published. This is an 81 page guide that covers business planning, management (legal, taxes, insurance, employees and personnel issues), Money (loans, federal lending and state financing programs), marketing, and regulation. There is a directory of agency addresses and phone numbers. Business plan forms are includes.

Virginia Capitol Resources Directory: State, Federal and Local Financing Resources for Virginia Businesses, Virginia Department of Business Assistance (804-371-8200, www.dba.state.va.us). This 112-page directory lists 70 financing programs within Virginia. Every phase of business financing from microloan funds for start-up businesses to industrial development bonds for major industrial facilities is covered. It is a comprehensive tool in a search for funding.

Virginia Microenterprise Network Program Directory, (804-225-9005, www.vmn.org). The VMN’s mission is to promote microenterprise development in Virginia. Training, technical assistance, follow-up assistance, and lending are provided to its members. Within the 44 page directory there are listings of various resource programs throughout the state.

Books

Anatomy of a Business Plan (3rd Ed). Linda Pinson & Jerry Jinnett, Upstart Publishing, Inc.

Business Plans for Dummies: A Reference for the Rest of Us, Paul Tiffany & Steven D. Peterson, IDG Books Worldwide.

Government Giveaways for Entrepreneurs II (4th Ed), Matthew Lesko, Information U.S.A.

How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-step Guide (3rd Ed). David E. Gumpert, Inc. Publishing.

1996 Directory of U.S. Microenterprise Programs published by the Self-Employment

Learning Project of the Aspen Institute, 133 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Suite 1070, Washington, D.C.

On Your Own: A Woman’s Guide to building a Business (2nd Ed), Laurie B.

Zuckerman, Upstart Publishing, Inc.

Starting and Operating a Business in (State): A Step-by-Step Guide, PSI Research, The Oasis Press/PSI Research, Grants Pass, Oregon.

The Business Planning Guide (6th Ed). Book & Software. David H. Bangs, Upstart Publishing, Inc.

The Best Home Businesses for the 90s, Paul and Sarah Edwards, G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

The Perfect Business, Michael LeBoeuf, A Fireside Book Published by Simon & Schuster.

UnLikely Entrepreneurs: A Business Start-up Guide for People with Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions, RoseAnne Herzog, North Peak Publishing

Small Business and Local Resources

Besides the programs discussed above, each community, county, and state has a variety of other resources that may be tapped to assist with business development and retention and with community economic development efforts. These resources include local libraries, chambers of commerce, industry and trade associations, manufacturers or suppliers of products and services, and the resources listed below.

Regent University

www.regent/edu/acad/schbus/employment/home.html

The Lieutenant Governor of Virginia states: The web site has been created to increase the awareness, knowledge, and understanding regarding the use of entrepreneurship (self-employment) as an employment alternative for people with disabilities. The goal is to permanently remove them from entitlement programs. This Internet site is part of a long-term strategy to remove individuals from welfare programs in the United States. Entrepreneurship (self-employment) is one such economic development strategy that can lead to economic independence for people with disabilities and their families.

Invest-Tech (IT)

http://ireland.iol.ie/resource/planware/index.html

IT develops & sells software & shareware for writing business plans, evaluating business proposals & strategies and developing financial projections. It is a Registered Practice within the Institute of Management Consultants in Ireland and a Member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) in the USA. This site contains details of software, facilities for downloading shareware and demo versions, several how-to papers on business planning, enterprise development and lots of other advice for businesses, managers, entrepreneurs etc. It also features a business planning software store.

Canada/British Columbia Business Service Center

www.jobsearchcanada.miningco.com/msub9.htm

Hosted by the BC government, this site is full of practical advice, exploring tips on small business opportunities, and how to become an employer.

Costco
Costco Connection
999 Lake Drive
Issaquah, WA 98027
425.313.8510
www.costco.com

Costco publishes Costco Connection, a lifestyle magazine for small businesses.
Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.ustreas.gov
www.irs.ustreas.gov/plain/bus_info/bus_help.html

Call 800.892.3676 for a cross-reference of the publications to help small businesses meet their tax obligations. Call 800.829-1040 to receive information about any of the following programs: Small business Tax Education program, Instructional Video Tapes and Publications, Consumer Tax Video and News Kits, and Free Services (Tele-Tax, Magnetic Media/Information Reporting Seminars, Joint Tax Seminars, Attendance at trade shows, IRS/SSA Reporter, Business Assistance Center, U.S. General Store for Small business, Electronic Federal Tax Deposit System, or Forms 940 and 941 Magnetic Tape Program).

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

SBDCs help current and prospective owners develop and manage their small businesses. SBDCs are a cooperative effort of the SBA, private sector, educational community, and state and local governments. There are over 950 SBDCs located primarily at colleges and universities in all 50 states.

Virginia SBDCs:

Service Corps of Retired Executives
409 3rd Street, S.W., 6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20204
1.800.634.0245
www.score.org

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a resource partner with the U.S. small Business Administration. SCORE is dedicated to aiding in the formation, growth, and success of small business nationwide.

Virginia SCORE Chapters
Richmond SCORE Chapter #12
1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 200
Richmond, VA
Phone: 804/771-2400 Ext. 131
Chairperson: Frederick W. Esposito

Roanoke SCORE Chapter #26
250 Franklin Road Southwest, Rm. 716
Roanoke, VA 24011
Phone: 540/857-2834
Chairperson: Ernest D. Kaufman
Hampton Roads SCORE Chapter #60
Federal Building, Room 737
200 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 804/441-3733
Chairperson: Anthony Ewert

Peninsula SCORE Chapter #100
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 7269; 6 Manhattan Square, Suite 100
Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757/766-2000
Chairperson: Edward Tissiere

Bristol SCORE Chapter #196
Bristol Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 519
Bristol, VA 24203
Phone: 423/968-4399
Chairperson: Gene Baker

Northern Virginia SCORE Chapter #205
Winchester Chamber of Commerce
1360 South Pleasant Valley Road
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: 540/662-4118
Chairperson: Robert Derrickson

Central Virginia SCORE Chapter #494
1001 East Market Street, Suite 101
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 804/295-7066 Fax: 804/295-7066
Chairperson: John MacDonald

Lynchburg SCORE Chapter #529
Federal Building, 1100 Main Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504-1714
Phone: 804/846-3235
Chairperson: Richard Schlotterback

Martinsville SCORE Chapter #540
Martinsville Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 709 - 115 Broad Street
Martinsville, VA 24114
Phone: 540/632-1877
Chairperson: Stanley Cobb

Tn-Cities SCORE Chapter #561
Hopewell-Prince George Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Drawer 1297-210 North 2nd Avenue
Hopewell, VA 23860
Phone: 804/458-5536
Chairperson: Walter McDonnell

Williamsburg SCORE Chapter #549
Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Drawer HQ; 201 Penniman Road
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Phone: 757/229-6511

Chairperson: Art Fournieer
Shenandoah Valley SCORE Chapter #427
Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce
301 West Main Street
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone: 540/949-8203
Chairperson: Al Goff

Prince William SCORE Chapter #530
Prince William County Chamber of Commerce
4320 Ridgewood Center Driver
Prince William, VA 22192
Phone: 703/590-5000 Fax: 703/590-9815

Chairperson: Terry Duckworth
District Manager: Gilbert Kraine
Norfolk SCORE Chapter #60
Norfolk, VA
Phone: 757/1441-3733

Small Business Administration
403 3rd St. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20416
1.800.U.ASK.SBA
email: feedback@www.sbaonline.sba.gov
www.sba.gov

Women’s Business Center Online
email: virtual@onramp.net
onlinewbc.org

The goal of the WBC is to provide entrepreneurial women with the information and expertise they need to plan their economic independence through owning their own business. WBC’s online forums, message boards, resource database, links, and informative articles are tools offered free of charge.

Women’s Connection Online
www.womenconnect.com

Women’s Connection Online offers women on the Internet relevant, useful content and discussion groups. There are over 1,100 pages of the most current news on women’s issues, bulletin boards, a news archive containing the last 30 days of news related to women, plus an extensive library covering business, politics, health, finance, gender equity and many other topics, information about women’s organizations, links to women’s sites on the web, and a regionalized events calendar.

Colleges and Universities

Many colleges, community colleges, and universities house programs that assist prospective or current business owners with business development activities. For example, many business schools conduct classes where the students work with a business owner to conduct market analyses, feasibility studies, or to develop business plans, or will assist a business with similar activities once it is operating.

Minority Resources

African American Resources
African-American Web Connection
www.aawc.com/aawc.html

This site provides a doorway to Afrocentric web resources for the African American web community and others seeking the total black web experience.

Black Business Connection
Wright Side Up, Inc.
405 Tarrytown Rd., rm. 376
White Plains, NY 10607
407.975.8146
www.blackbusiness.com

Wright Side Up Inc. is an online marketing and publishing firm based in Westchester County, New York. It helps small businesses and independent consultants gain exposure and market their product/services effectively for very little cost. The web site, BlackBusinessSM, is the main vehicle through which they accomplish this goal. They do in-house graphics/layout work and offer these services to other businesses. They firmly believe in the entrepreneurial spirit and support those in realizing the American Dream. If you have any suggestions for this web site, contact them.

Asian American Resources
Asian Business Web Page
3246 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 109
Torrance, CA 90505
310.517.0087
e-mail: asianbus@newgeneration.com
www.asianbusiness.com

Asian Business Web Page provides Internet programming, web page design, on-line advertising. Asian Business Web Pages are in both English and Chinese or other Asian Languages when appropriate. The Asian Business Web Page Hot Links Section provides both local and worldwide links to its users.

Hispanic Resources
HISPANIC Magazine
98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 1150
Austin, TX 78701
512.476.5599
www.hisp.com

HISPANIC Magazine’s web site highlights articles from back issues and provides links to other Hispanic web sites.

LatinoWeb
201 N. El Molino Av.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626.440.0476
e-mail: info@latinoweb.com
www.latinoweb.com

Latino Web is a virtual information center for Latino Resources. Latino Web’s mission is to empower the Latino community by providing a gateway to the Internet where private, nonprofit, and public sectors can exchange information freely.

HispanicBiz-Business Resources
Instant Communications
7654 Coral Way
Dublin, CA 94568
510.828/7350 ext. 3
www.hispanicbiz.com/gov.htm

This site provides a one-stop information services for small businesses, professionals, and students in California and worldwide.

Latin American Trade Council of Oregon
16200 Pacific Highway #16
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503.699.0646
e-mail: info@latco.org
www.latco.org/

The Latin American Trade Council of Oregon is a nonprofit association organized to promote trade between Oregon and Latin America. LATCO members can exchange information through conferences, workshops, a newsletter, an Internet e-mail list, on-line forums and a member directory. LATCO makes available reports on specific trade opportunities in various Latin American countries.

The Latino Economic Development Corporation, Inc.
2316 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009-1815
202.588.5102
e-mail: ledcjhg@aol.com (Jaime Gonzales)

Helps low income Latinos obtain housing by using government funds and directs Latinos to nonprofit organizations that procure funds for business development.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
110 Broadway, Suite 25
San Antonio, TX
210.222.9077
e-mail: jbravo@tristero.com
www.tristero.com/sahcc/his.html

Tristero empowers businesses, organizations, and individuals by delivering on-line media. It enables them to create reliable, flexible, state-of-the-art turn-key solutions to share information with the world.

Native American Resources
American Indian Chamber of Commerce
2727 East 21st, Suite 102
Tulsa, OK 74114
(918) 743-1115
FAX: (918) 743-1422

Native Cybertrade
www.atiin.com/cybertrade/

Native American Marketing and Development Corporation
301.353.1542
e-mail: paul.hollandsworth@namcor.com
www.namcor.com

NAMCOR provides marketing and business development services to 8(a) companies owned by Alaska Native Corporations or American Indian Tribes.

Oklahoma Native American Business Development Center
Operated by T3RC Associates
2727 E. 21st, Suite 102
Tulsa, OK 74115
918.743.1115

ONABDC provides free business start-up, financial management, financial analysis, marketing management, business plans, and procurement assistance for Native Americans. They serve all minorities for a fee of $10/hour.

Tribal Credit Programs
Some tribes have initiated credit programs to serve members. In many instances, interest rates are very attractive and offer an alternative funding source for persons seeking to start their own business.

Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Indian Financing Act of 1974 provides guaranteed loans, direct loans, and grants to tribes, tribal members, and Indian organizations for establishing, expanding, or purchasing a business on or near a reservation when financing is not available from normal sources. Programs include.

Loan

Guaranteed Loan Program - These are loans made by private lenders, usually commercial banks, on which payment is guaranteed for up to 90% of the unpaid interest and principal balance in event of default by the borrower. The purpose of the guarantee is to assist the borrower in obtaining loans from private lenders by providing additional collateral needed to secure the loan.

U.S. Direct Loans - Direct loans are made directly from the U.S. government through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Direct loans are made under the following criteria: Applicants must demonstrate they are unable to obtain funds from other sources, including the BIA loan guaranty or grant programs; the maximum amount is $350,000 for individuals; and the applicant must have equity equal to 20% of the total cost of the business to be financed.

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