By Angela Burton, Acting Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Running a small business, much like any meaningful relationship, requires dedication, care, and the right tools to thrive. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the small business resources we love—proven tools designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just beginning your journey, these resources will support you every step of the way.
SBA Resource Partners: Your Trusted Business Support Network
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has built an extensive support network of Resource Partners offering free or low-cost training, coaching, and mentorship to entrepreneurs across the country. These partners include:
- SCORE Mentors – Experienced business professionals offering free one-on-one mentorship. Entrepreneurs can search mentor profiles on the SCORE website to find experts in their industry.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – Centers providing business training, market research, and funding guidance.
- Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) – Tailored resources to support women entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses.
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) – Specialized assistance for veterans and military spouses, including business planning and financing advice.
Entrepreneurs at any stage—from ideation to growth—can tap into these resources to gain expert guidance and take their businesses to the next level.
Boots to Business (B2B): A Strong Start for Veterans and Military Spouses
Boots to Business (B2B) is a free entrepreneurial education and training program designed for:
- Active-Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve)
- Veterans of all eras
- Military spouses
B2B provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to launch a business, covering topics such as developing business concepts, creating business plans, and understanding market opportunities. This program helps veterans transition their leadership and problem-solving skills into successful business ventures.
APEX Accelerators: Navigating Government Contracting
APEX Accelerators (formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers or PTACs) provide technical assistance to businesses interested in selling products or services to federal, state, and local governments. These experts help small businesses:
- Determine their readiness for government contracting
- Identify eligibility for small business certifications
- Research and pursue contract opportunities
Through APEX Accelerators, businesses can access training and support to secure government contracts, unlocking new revenue streams.
Success in Action: Wander Staffing’s Growth Story
San Antonio-based Wander Staffing is a shining example of how small businesses can leverage SBA programs for success. Founder Gabriel Wander, a U.S. Army veteran, took advantage of multiple SBA resources:
- Boots to Business (B2B) introduced him to key business concepts and opportunities.
- The University of Texas at San Antonio’s APEX Accelerator helped him navigate the System for Award Management (SAM) website.
- SCORE Mentors assisted in identifying contracting opportunities that aligned with his company’s capabilities.
By utilizing these resources, Wander Staffing successfully launched and grew its business, demonstrating the power of SBA support.
Connect with SBA for Business Support
Entrepreneurs looking for free or low-cost assistance can visit www.sba.gov/local-assistance and enter their zip code to find SBA-affiliated resources in their area. Stay connected with SBA updates and upcoming events by following us on social media:
📌 Twitter/X: @SBASouthCentral
📌 LinkedIn: @SBA-South-Central
About the Author
Angela Burton is the Acting Regional Administrator for the SBA, overseeing programs and operations across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
By leveraging these heartfelt resources, small businesses can blossom into strong, sustainable enterprises. Let SBA be your partner in success this Valentine’s Day and beyond!