National Association for the Self-Employed – Business Benefits, Educational Resources and Access to Health Insurance for Small Businesses and Startups > Should Federal Small Business Programs be a Priority in the new Obama Administration? (Jan 2009)

The NASE has long been a fervent supporter of federal small-business programs that have a proven track record of efficiently aiding the self-employed and micro-businesses, such as the SBA Office of Advocacy, the Small Business Development Centers, and SCORE. With a new administration about to take office, there is opportunity to improve and expand current small business federal programs. Please take this short member survey regarding your experience and opinions on these programs.

1. Please indicate which of the following small business assistance programs and services supported by the federal government that you are aware of? (Check all that apply)

18%	Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
10%	Women Business Centers
14%	SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
20%	SBA Business Loan programs (Basic 7(a) loan, Micro-Loan, 504 loan)
02%	Office of the National Ombudsman for Fair Enforcement of Federal Regulations
06%	SBA Office of Advocacy
06%	IRS National Taxpayer Advocate
07%	Department of Labor’s Office of Small Business Programs
17%	None

2. Have you ever utilized any services or programs listed above to assist you with any aspect of starting and managing your business?

27%	Yes
71%	No
02%	Do Not Know

3. If you have not utilized the services and programs mentioned above, please indicate the reasons why you have not done so? (Check all that apply)

49%	I was not aware of these free services
14%	Did not need any assistance
09%	I am not comfortable seeking assistance from the federal government
10%	Other
18%	No opinion

4. In your opinion, are the small business services and programs offered by the federal government valuable and helpful to the small business/self-employed community?

34%	Very Valuable
28%	Somewhat Valuable
06%	No Value
32%	No Opinion

5. In your opinion, should increased funding for federal government programs and agencies which assist the small business/self-employed community be a priority of the new Obama Administration?

81%	Yes
05%	No
14%	No Opinion

Survey Results

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