NCSBI Small Business News

Frequently Asked Questions on SBA�s Small Business Innovation Research Program and Venture Capital Investment

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400

Q: Has the SBA recently changed its interpretation of eligibility requirements for SBIR applicants with venture capital investment?

A: No. However, in 2005, the SBA amended its regulations to broaden the eligibility requirements for SBIR applicants. To receive an SBIR award, the applicant must:
1. Be organized as a for-profit concern; 2. Have no more than 500 employees, including its affiliates, and; 3. Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens, or it must be at least 51% owned and controlled by another for-profit concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens.
13 C.F.R. � 121.702
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SBA CHIEF ROLLS OUT INNER CITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVES

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON � Today Steve Preston, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced a new initiative to boost entrepreneurship in 10 American inner cities as the latest component of its strategy to advance entrepreneurship in underserved markets. The Agency will partner with the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City to develop a program to support the financial and developmental needs of emerging inner city companies. The design and city selection process will begin shortly, with implementation expected early next year.
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SBA and Sam�s Club To Host Veterans Small Business Matchmaking Conferences This Fall in San Antonio and Sacramento

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400

On-Site Matchmaking Sessions Will Highlight the Contracting Process With Private and Federal Government Contracting Officers And Procurement Officials

WHAT: Several hundred veteran-owned small businesses are expected to attend and participate in on-site Veterans Small Business Matchmaking Conferences scheduled this fall in San Antonio, Texas and Sacramento, Calif.

The conferences will educate veterans about federal contracting through a series of workshops, and introduce veteran small business owners to private and government procurement officials in a matchmaking setting.

The government spends nearly $78 billion each year purchasing goods from small businesses. Veterans, who own about 15 percent of small businesses nationwide, have served the country ably, and often have excellent business skills that carry over from military experience.

WHO: SBA Administrator Steven Preston, Sam�s Club senior executives, and others to be announced, will speak at the conferences. GSA Administrator Lurita Doan has been invited to speak.

WHEN: Monday - - October 29, 2007 (San Antonio, Texas) Friday - - November 9, 2007 (Sacramento, California)
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SBA FAQ on Women�s Business Center Program and Legislation included in the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans� Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400

1. What is the Women�s Business Center program?
SBA�s Women�s Business Center (WBC) program is administered by its Office of Women�s Business Ownership to promote the growth of women-owned businesses by providing business training and technical assistance, helping with access to credit and capital, and identifying federal contract and international trade opportunities. There are 98 WBCs nationwide, located throughout 44 states and two territories. Last year, more than 129,000 clients received assistance through the WBC program.
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SBA to Extend Export Express for One More Year Agency will Determine Whether to Continue Program Past 2008

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, D.C. � The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it will extend its Export Express pilot program through fiscal 2008. The announcement is in a Public Notice published in the Federal Register today.

The Export Express Pilot Program was established in 1998 to assist small exporters with their financial needs, particularly those needing revolving lines of credit. Export Express terms and conditions closely follow those of the SBA Express loan guaranty, but carry the 75-85 percent guaranty of the standard 7(a) loan.
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SBA Releases Draft Strategic Plan for FY 2008 -- 2012 For Public Review and Comment

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today released the draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2008 through 2012 for public review and comment. The draft Strategic Plan describes our mission, strategic goals, objectives, and means and strategies to achieve those goals.more...

New SBA Recertification Regulations to Help Small Businesses Obtain Government Contracts

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400

Large Corporations to be Eliminated from Database Within One Year
WASHINGTON - On June 30, new U.S. Small Business Administration regulations took effect that require companies with federal contracts to recertify their size status as "small businesses." These actions will increase opportunities for more small businesses to receive contracts from the federal government.
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SBA Scores Federal Small Business Procurement Efforts

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON - In an effort to increase the transparency and accountability in small business contracting, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today released its first-ever Small Business Procurement Scorecard. The Scorecard will help agencies measure their achievements and progress in making contracting opportunities available to small businesses, improve the accuracy of contracting data regarding small businesses, and provide the public the opportunity to assess agencies' performance in meeting these goals.
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SBA to Host Live Web Chat on International Trade for Small Businesses

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400

SBA�s Richard Ginsburg will answer questions Thursday, August 2, 2007, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET

WHO: Richard Ginsburg, SBA�s acting deputy director for the SBA�s Office of International Trade will host the July Web chat on �International Trade and Your Small Business.� Ginsburg will answer questions about how the Office of International Trade can help small business owners compete in the global marketplace and assist small businesses export their products and services.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES EXPO

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400

Are you interested in better understanding how to contract with the government? Then you will not want to miss the Business Opportunities Expo 2007 on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, hosted by NASA�s Kennedy Space Center. Government purchasing agents will attend to learn what local and national vendors have to offer. The Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cruise Terminal No. 4 at Port Canaveral, Florida.more...