Federal & State Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses, since its inception in 1953. SBA provides assistance primarily through its four programmatic functions: Access to Capital, Entrepreneurial Development, Government Contracting, and Advocacy (http://www.sba.gov/). Information and assistance on writing a business plan can be found on their website.

There is a Virginia District office located in Richmond, Virginia and more information about this office can be found at on the Office page.

Virginia Department of Business Assistance (DBA)

The Virginia Department of Business Assistance (DBA) provides one-stop services for technical assistance related to business formation, access to capital, and workforce development. DBA works with existing businesses as they grow their workforce and mentors entrepreneurs as they launch their first business venture. Within DBA the following online resources are tailored to business start-up and expansion:

Virginia Business One Stop

Virginia Business One Stop is a great One-Stop resource of business information. The site helps you with questions related to business start-up and expansion in Virginia and includes links to necessary federal and state forms and multiple sites to assist your business start-up.

Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC)

Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC) is also available if you are seeking information on how to get your business started in Virginia, or need any business-related questions answered. Professional, experienced business counselors will provide an immediate response to your inquiry or direct you to the right contacts or resources available to help you by email or by phone at 866-248-8814.

Small Business Resource Guide

Small Business Resource Guide is a guide that provides resources and information to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business and helps them avoid pitfalls along the way.

Interactive Guide

One tremendous tool offered through DBA is an online interactive guide to completing a business plan. This easy to use business planning tool will guide you step by step in forming your plan.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) offers the Virginia Guide to Establishing a Business. This guide summarizes the major state and local regulations that may impact a business starting in Virginia. View the guide (PDF).