Nurturing Dreams, Growing Futures: Small Business Assistance that Builds Your Community   Washington, D.C. – Every year, America’s entrepreneurs take their dreams and ideas and start thriving small businesses with the help of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Through cutting-edge training programs and advising strategies, SBDCs aren’t just helping create new businesses but also helping

Expand Your Business Potential:   Why SBA Certification Matters Small business is competitive, and every advantage makes a difference, especially for Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB). According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), an SDB is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (considered Black, Hispanic,

Grassroots Economy: HUBZone Certification CreatesBusiness Potential An often-overlooked facet of the American economy is the entrepreneurial power of many urban and rural communities, which often teem with potential. A solution to bridge this gap? The HUBZone program. Historically Underutilized Business Zones, more succinctly known as HUBZones, offer an innovative approach to these overlooked sectors. HUBZones

Turning Valor into Value: SBA Certifications and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses The heroes who’ve served our country return to civilian life with the discipline, leadership, and determination skills they learned during active duty. But even the toughest veteran may face barriers when starting a small business.That’s why the SBA offers two certifications targeting veteran entrepreneurs: the

The Power of WOSB Certification: Finding the UntappedPotential in Women-Owned Businesses In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, women are taking their spot at the table. Despite launching new businesses at twice the rate of men, there is a critical gap that needs attention: Less than 1 percent of all women-owned businesses hold a Women-Owned Small

“Money talks, but Credit holds conversations.” – Author Unknown A good credit score opens doors. Doors to meetings with lenders. Doors to lower-interest loans, property acquisitions, and equipment purchases. Doors to opportunities to scale your business.   Your partners at the St. Louis Small Business Empowerment Center know that banks use credit scores to determine