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Small Business
Small Business
Small businesses are an important backbone to economic stability. It is important that these types of business owners recognize all the resources available to them. The Small Business Administration (SBA)is a helpful resource to answer all your questions and concerns about running a small business. SBA can also direct small business owners to information on federal contracting opportunities specifically set-aside for these types of businesses.
Small businesses interested in doing business with the government must first register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). CCR is a government-maintained database of companies interested in contracting opportunities with the federal government. Federal agencies may look to this database in order to identify qualified small business contractors. There are many opportunities for owners of small businesses to receive federal contracting opportunities. Small businesses can go online at FedBizOpps and identify opportunities posted by the entire federal contracting community. Likewise, these federal agencies can communicate buying requirements for all contracts expected to exceed $25,000.
The Small Business Administration fosters an environment that encourages small business owners to overcome economic and social barriers in all areas of business development, including government contracting. The SBA also reaches out to historically disadvantaged groups as well as underserved geographic locations through their 8(a) and HUB Zone Programs. For more information on federal contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses eligible for the 8(a) Program or small businesses located in HUB Zone areas please visit the SBA’s website under the “Services” tab and click on “Opportunity Gaps.”
Remember, the Small Business Administration can help to answer all your questions about starting up a businesses or expanding your business portfolio by contracting with the federal government. To reach the SBA Answer Desk please call 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722) or email answerdesk@sba.gov.
Local SBA offices can be reached at (312) 353-4528 for small businesses in the Chicagoland area or (217) 793-5020 for small business located in Springfield, Illinois.