When it comes to resources available to small businesses, the first thing to know is what defines a small business. If you own a business with fewer than 500 employees, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) considers you a small business owner, which opens the door to an array of resources designed specifically for owners like you.
Most small businesses are owned by one- or two-person teams, and if you fall into this category, you know how rewarding it is to live out your specific vision—and how difficult it can be to compete and thrive. After all, only about two-thirds of small businesses survive their first two years. But Tompkins Community Bank is here to help you every step of the way, whether you need help starting, managing or growing your business or startup. Access these valuable online resources available for small business owners in New York.
Start with the Small Business Administration
Startups and existing businesses can greatly benefit from services offered by the SBA, which started in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to help small businesses succeed. Today, the SBA’s website offers a wealth of resources for small business owners, including online learning center courses, a business guide planning center and multiple funding programs.
Although the SBA doesn’t directly lend to businesses, it creates guidelines that allow entrepreneurs to access funding by guaranteeing the loans in case of default, which reduces the risk to many local SBA lenders. SBA loans also have lower down payment requirements, flexible overhead requirements and help business owners prepare their loan packages to increase the success rate.
Learn more about Tompkins business loans online or contact us for personalized support.
Get free business advice from SCORE
Over the last 50 years, SCORE has served small businesses around the country by providing free business mentoring and education. A non-profit partner of the Small Business Administration, SCORE has helped more than 10 million business owners launch, manage and grow their companies. SCORE also offers on-demand courses, workshops, webinars and a helpful library of resources for entrepreneurs.
Find a local SCORE chapter in New York or request a mentor.
Visit Small Business Development Centers in New York
Another partner of the SBA, the New York Small Business Development Center Network offers small businesses free consulting, training and business research. With more than three decades of experience helping more than one million companies across the country, the SBDC in New York offers small businesses support in the following areas:
- Business plan development
- Lending and financing assistance
- Exporting, importing and manufacturing support
- Market research
- Healthcare advice
- Disaster recovery help
Tompkins Community Bank is here to help
Managing a small business in New York can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you want to start your own business or you’ve already launched, Tompkins can help you access funding and support, including a variety of business loans including installment loans, business lines of credit, commercial mortgages and equipment leasing. To speak with an experienced local business banker, contact us today.
