Legal Eagle Review News

(NAPSI) - There's good news for owners of small businesses who still want to take advantage of the Obama administration's Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 programs and loans.

There are a number of resources-approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA)-that can help small businesses prepare their business plans and financial statements to qualify for different aspects of the act. The resources can also help businesses identify the loans and incentives that are the best fit for them.

The Act

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 is a combination of tax cuts, incentives and government spending. It was designed to kick-start the U.S. economy in the short term and drive long-term economic growth.

The Resources

• The SCORE Association, "Counselors to America's Small Business," is dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. There are more than 12,400 SCORE volunteers operating in more than 800 locations. It also operates an active online counseling initiative at www.score.org.

• Small Business Development Centers provide management assistance to current and prospective small-business owners. The centers offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily accessible branch locations.

• U.S. Export Assistance Centers, located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States, provide your small- or medium-sized business with local export assistance. Personalized assistance is provided by professionals from the SBA, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Export-Import Bank and other public and private organizations.

• Women's Business Centers (WBCs) represent a national network of nearly 100 educational centers designed to help women start and grow small businesses.

• Veterans' Business Outreach Centers-designed to assist former service members-are in 16 locations nationwide.

• In addition, the SBA operates full-service district offices, in every state of the country, that are prepared to assist applicants.

The SBA has had a long commitment to helping small businesses compete in the marketplace. To learn more, visit www.SBA.gov.