A Women's Business Ownership Representative is available to advise women business owners, and SBA sponsors numerous programs with private and public sector organizations to assist female entrepreneurs. A Veterans Affairs Officer is available to counsel veterans who want to start their own business. Borrowers under SBA programs typically work through their banks to obtain the SBA loan guarantee on borrowed funds. Proceeds can be used to purchase machinery and equipment, land and buildings, and for working capital. Terms can be up to 25 years, depending on the use of the loan proceeds.
Interest rates vary, depending on the size and term if the loan.
SBDC services include, but are not limited to, assisting small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical problems and feasibility studies. Special SBDC programs and economic development activities include international trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture capital formation and rural development. The agency has a number of programs available to women, minorities, veterans and to businesses pursuing international trade.