The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent federal agency that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide by providing access to capital through loan guarantees and certain direct lending, offering counseling and technical assistance, administering federal contracting programs and set‑asides, coordinating disaster recovery aid, and advocating for small business interests across the federal government.
Typically pursues policies that expand small business access to capital and credit, increase federal contracting and procurement opportunities for small firms, provide disaster relief and recovery assistance, fund counseling and technical assistance programs, support entrepreneurship and workforce development, and target assistance to minority-, veteran-, rural-, and women-owned businesses while promoting regulatory relief and small business competitiveness.
Primarily funded through annual federal appropriations, loan program fees and repayments, and other federal financing mechanisms, with supplemental support for some programs provided via partner grants and fee income.
National network partners and programs including Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, Women's Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, local SBA district offices, and collaborative relationships with other federal agencies on procurement and disaster response.
Independent federal agency (U.S. government)
