Did you know? SBA launched a new web page and blog dedicated to educating small business owners about the Affordable Care Act. The new tools will connect small business owners with information provided by SBA’s federal partners responsible for implementing the law, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The web page, www.sba.gov/healthcare, breaks down the key provisions of the Act based on business size in the following categories: self-employed, fewer than 25 employees, fewer than 50 employees and more than 50 employees. The blog, entitled Health Care Business Pulse, will provide small business owners with continuous updates about the implementation of the Act. Read it at www.sba.gov/blog. The Portland District has more than 60 active lenders using SBA loan programs to help small businesses grow and succeed. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, SBA lenders provided $123.8 million to 216 small businesses.
Encore Entrepreneur Forum Success More than 170 individuals participated in the Encore Entrepreneur Business Forum sponsored by the SBA and AARP, Feb. 12, 2013. During the forum, attendees heard from a panel of successful encore entrepreneurs, who described how they got their businesses started. The event also helped connect participants with mentors from SBA’s network of Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and SCORE chapters who can help throughout the life of an entrepreneur’s business. Watch for more encore events coming in April. Individual Devlopment AccountsThe Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber is offering Individual Development Accounts (IDA) to qualifying individuals to start or grow a small business. Over the course of 2 years, individuals can save up to $3,000 and receive 3:1 matching funds, totaling up to $9,000. The funds can be used to buy business related assets including equipment, tools, inventory and supplies. Please contact HMC's Business Development Coordinators at (503) 222-0280 to find out if you qualify. |
