In this age of government bailouts, it's easy to lose sight of the many small business assistance programs that have been in place for a long time. This issue of WhatWorks focuses on some of those key programs, including Small Business Development Centers run by the SBA, special programs for minority business owners, the national Small Business Week events and awards, and other programs run by the SBA.

As always be sure to visit our What Works for Business blog for the latest small business solutions on a daily basis.





Eight Mailing & Shipping Money Savers

Q. Dear Dan: ith prices for paper, envelopes and postage all going up, the large mailings we do are costing more than ever. Got any ideas on how to save on large scale mailing and shipping costs? - Mailing Money

A. Dear Mailing Money: These days, some business owners live and die with email — scarcely giving postal mail a second thought. But millions of small businesses still depend heavily on the U.S. mail for marketing, invoicing, communicating with clients and a host of other critical tasks. Here are eight postal practices that can contain costs and make your business a more effective mailer. [Read More]




Programs for Minority Biz Owners
Minority-Owned Business Classification
By Sheryl Nance-Nash
There's a multibillion-dollar pie that comes from government and corporate contracts targeted to minority-owned businesses. A variety of federal, state and local government agencies offer minority business certification programs in an effort to help businesses qualify. Before going through certification, investigate these things: Read Full Guide

Free Counseling
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
By Daniel Kehrer
A coast-to-coast network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – offering free small business counseling, information and more – is one of the best deals open to small business owners in America. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) runs this program – sponsored jointly by private enterprise and Uncle Sam – which provides on-the-spot assistance to entrepreneurs seeking to start, grow or manage a business. Read Full Guide

Federal Help
Guide to SBA Assistance Programs
By Frances Sharpe
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was formed in 1953 to assist and protect the interests of small businesses. Since its debut, the SBA has developed numerous assistance programs to help startups and growing businesses. In that time, nearly 20 million small businesses have received direct or indirect help from these programs. Your small business may be able to benefit from one of these programs, too, if you: Read Full Guide

National Awards
Small Business Week Programs and Awards
By Paula Andruss
Each year the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week conference and awards ceremony celebrates entrepreneurs and their achievements. An SBA award is more than just a feather in your cap; it can add credibility to your product or service, garner publicity, serve as a marketing hook and improve employee morale. Small Business Week national award categories include these: Read Full Guide

Startup
Technology
Management
Money and Finance