Burton: Heartfelt tools for small businesses: Resources we love this Valentine’s Day

Just like any meaningful relationship, managing a small business requires effort, care, and the right resources. In the spirit of appreciation, we’re sharing the small business resources we love this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, these resources will help you blossom.

SBA Resource Partners

The U.S. Small Business Administration has built an extensive support network of resource partners that provide a wide range of services for entrepreneurs at every stage of business. SBA’s network of Resource Partners provide free or low-cost training, coaching, and mentorship to entrepreneurs in communities across the country. Resource Partners include SCORE Mentors, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). Entrepreneurs at any stage of business, including ideation or growth phases, can search mentor profiles on the SCORE website to find a mentor with experience in their industry or field of interest.

Boots to Business Training

Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program that provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to Active-Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and military spouses. B2B is available free of charge. Through this training, participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts and how to develop a business plan.

APEX Accelerators

APEX Accelerators (formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, PTAC) provide technical assistance to businesses interested in selling products or services to federal, state, and local governments. APEX Accelerators can help businesses determine if they are ready for federal contracting, see if they are eligible for small business certifications, and assist with researching contract opportunities.

Entrepreneurs can take advantage of all these resources to reach success! Wander Staffing in San Antonio, Texas, for example, utilized each of these programs to start and grow.

After transitioning from the Army, Gabriel Wander, founder of Wander Staffing, participated in the B2B program, which connected him with the University of Texas at San Antonio APEX Accelerator for help navigating the System for Awards Management (SAM) website. Wander also tapped into SCORE mentors for assistance with identifying contracting opportunities that matched his company’s capabilities.

To connect with SBA and our network of partners, entrepreneurs can visit www.sba.gov/local-assistance to enter their zip code and find free or low-cost assistance and training in their area. To stay up to date on SBA news and upcoming events, follow us on social media.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Angela Burton, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Acting Regional Administrator overseeing the agency’s programs, offices, and operations in serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

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