Federal Assistance 

With the mission of providing financial, technical, and management assistance to aid Americans in starting, running, and growing their businesses, the Small Business Administration is here to help.  It has a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees, and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, in addition to a venture capital portfolio of $13 billion.

Here in our County, we're considered to be an SBA HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone).  That means your business, if located in Garrett County, will qualify for preferential status in competition for federal government contracts. 

An SBA decision gives HUB Zone-based businesses equal standing with minority owned businesses and is expected to give the HUB Zone Program a major boost.

And that's not all!  The SBA has numerous free online courses to help you grow your small business.

Assistance may also be available through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.

The USDA-Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all rural Americans.  It also offers assistance, including a variety of loan and grant programs:

• Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program
• Value-Added Producer Grants
• Business and Industrial Loan Guarantee Program

The IRS has several guides available to assist the small business owner.  They include:

• Small Business Resource Guide (2009)
• Small Business Tax Responsibilities
• Small Business Video and Audio Presentations
• Tax Calendar for Small Business & the Self-Employed (2009)
• Virtual Tax Workshop for Small Business & the Self-Employed

And your business may even qualify for federal grant monies!