A guide to your options

Small business

Business loans, research funding, and contracting certifications serve different purposes. These guides separate the type of support from the application process so you can check whether a program fits your business.

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19 guides

8(a) Program Eligibility Requirements for Small Businesses: Your Definitive Guide to Qualification

Are you a small business owner with a vision for growth, eager to secure federal contracts, and wondering if your company meets the stringent criteria for

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SBA 504 Loan Eligibility for Small Business: Your Guide to Qualification

As a small business owner with ambitious plans for growth—whether it's acquiring commercial real estate, purchasing heavy machinery, or renovating an

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HUBZone Program: Federal Contracts for Businesses in Underutilized Zones

The HUBZone Program offers small businesses a unique pathway to access federal contracts, aiming to stimulate economic development and employment growth

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Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL): Up to $2 Million for Small Businesses

Small businesses facing financial hardship due to an essential employee's military active duty call-up may be eligible for the Military Reservist Economic

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Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit: A Guide for Businesses

For small businesses driving innovation, the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, codified under Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code ,

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SBA 504 Certified Development Company (CDC) Loan Program Explained

The SBA 504 Certified Development Company (CDC) Loan Program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, with the SBA portion

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SBA 7(a) Loan Program: Up to $5 Million for Small Businesses

The SBA 7(a) Loan Program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000,000 to small businesses for a wide range of purposes, including working capital,

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SBA Disaster Loan Programs: Physical Damage & Economic Injury Explained

📢 Recent Update — May 17, 2026 The SBA published amendments to disaster declarations in the Federal Register, including changes affecting Texas storm and

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SBA Domestic Manufacturing Expansion Grant (DMEG): Boost Your Made in America Production

The SBA Domestic Manufacturing Expansion Grant (DMEG) offers a significant opportunity for U.S.-based small businesses, with potential funding of up to

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SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition: Grants for Entrepreneurial Support Organizations

The SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) offers significant grant opportunities, typically ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per award, to

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SBA Microloan Program: Small Business Loans & Counseling

The SBA Microloan Program provides small, short-term loans designed to help small businesses and non-profit childcare centers access capital. While the

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SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Explained

The SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) offers financial assistance to small businesses aiming to increase their exports and expand into

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Section 179 Deduction: Immediate Tax Savings for Small Businesses

The Section 179 Deduction allows businesses to immediately deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software, rather than

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Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) & Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Programs

The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Programs offer a key pathway for veteran entrepreneurs

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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: Federal Funding for R&D

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program offers significant non-dilutive funding to propel U.S. small businesses engaged in federal research

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Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program: Funding for R&D Partnerships

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program offers significant federal funding to small businesses engaged in research and development, with

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Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) & EDWOSB Programs: Federal Contracts for Women Entrepreneurs

Welcome to your complete guide on the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) federal

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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): A Guide for Small Businesses

Employers who hire individuals from certain target groups may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a federal tax credit designed to

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8(a) Business Development Program: Federal Contracts for Disadvantaged Small Businesses

The 8(a) Business Development Program offers a significant pathway for eligible small businesses to access billions in federal contracts. This nine-year

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