It's almost like free money

Maybe you’ve got a fairly dim view of federal overreach, of regulatory restrictions that make the rack look like a nice place for a nap.

Maybe you should get over it.

Seriously, when it comes to the SBA — the Small Business Administration — the business community has a fine friend. You just have to be willing to find out for yourself.

Yes, it’s a federal agency — one that’s headed by Trump appointee Linda McMahon, who made a fortune in the professional wrestling business arena. It also has a powerful advocate in the U.S. Senate — a guy you know and trust. Sen. Jim Risch, an Idaho Republican, chairs the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. He’s an unabashed SBA cheerleader.

And why? Because the SBA can help businesspeople in more ways than you can count. And most of them are absolutely free.

In last month’s issue of North Idaho Business Journal, we started a conversation with three top SBA officials in the Pacific Northwest. That Q&A concludes in this issue. While the two parts contain a lot of information, you really need to remember just two things:

1. For webinars and workshops in our area, go to: sba.gov/wa

2. Call Joel! (509) 353-2810

For good measure, columnist Sholeh Patrick connects the dots between the SBA and veterans, potential allies just waiting to make business music together.

So bash the feds if that makes you feel better, but if it’s financing for your new business venture or any of a wide array of services you need, check out the SBA. It might be one of your best business moves yet.