The SBA was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise, and to maintain the overall economy of the nation.

Did you know that the SBA...

...	Has a portfoio guaranteeing over $29 billion in loans to 200.000 small businesses that otherwise would not have access to capital?

...	Guaranteed over 52,700 loans totaling $10 billion to America's small business in fiscal year 1996?

...	Last year extended management and technical assistance to nearly 850,000 small businesses through its Small Business Development Centers and 13,000 Service Corps of Retired executive volunteers?

...	Provided nearly 38,000 loans totaling $987 million to disaster victims for residential, personal property, as well as business losses in fiscal year 1996?

...	Has 7,000 private sector lenders as partners providing this capital to small busines?

...	Has increased its venture capital program with more private capital past two years than in the previous 15 years combined?

...	Provides loan guarantees and technical assistance to small business exporters through U.S. Export Assistance Centers in 15 cities?

...	Can be contacted through the SBA Home Page on the Internet ?

...	Can respond to written small business questions through the U.S. Business Advisor on the Internet ?

Did you know that America's
22 million small businesses ...

Employ more than 50 percent of the private sector workforce?

Generate more than half of the nation's gross national product? and

Are the principal source of new jobs?