Once upon a time is how all the best fairy tales begin. As kids, we dreamt of magic potions and knights in shining armor coming to rescue us and make everything perfect forever. Who knew that our own hard work, skills, and determination would be the real key to a happy ending?
Years ago, my husband and I kicked off our business adventure with just a shared desk. He focused on developing our product and growing our market, while I took care of the finances. As the workload overflowed, we hired our first employee, then another, and another. Fast forward through decades of intense effort, our little business has blossomed into a publicly traded company with over 800 employees and customers in 180 countries.
Living as an entrepreneur, I have truly experienced the American Dream. It’s the familiar story of taking a gamble on an idea, putting in the hard work, and transforming it into something significant. We faced plenty of stumbling blocks and plot twists along the way, but looking back, it’s a tale I’m always proud to share.
Now, leading the U.S. Small Business Administration, I aim to help more people pursue their version of the American Dream. Yet, many hopeful entrepreneurs are clueless about how to take the first step or progress their journey.
The SBA is here to support, offering resources both online and in communities nationwide. During National Small Business Week, we not only celebrate the 28 million small businesses driving our economy but also highlight the services provided by the SBA to entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey—whether they’re starting, expanding, or navigating tough times.
The SBA has 68 district offices and a vast network of resource partners across America, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The dedicated professionals in these offices offer key services we call the “three Cs and a D”—capital access, counseling, contracts, and disaster assistance.
Many entrepreneurs need capital to launch or grow their business, combining what they have with other financing sources. While the SBA doesn’t lend money directly, it helps secure loans by guaranteeing a portion of repayment. We also offer guidance on starting, scaling, and succeeding in business, from drafting business plans to exporting products overseas. Additionally, we train small businesses on competing for government contracts, especially those designated for small business owners. Lastly, the SBA provides crucial support for businesses recovering from disasters.
Reflecting on my own entrepreneurial journey, I wonder how much smoother it could have been had we known about the SBA’s valuable services. My hope is that as more people discover the SBA, they’ll gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed as small business owners. Together, we can reignite the spirit of entrepreneurship in our country.
There’s plenty of room for more success stories, and the SBA is here to help entrepreneurs create their own “happily ever after.”
