Smart phone users interested in starting or growing a small business

WASHINGTON - Smart phone users interested in starting or growing a small
business can now find helpful resources at their fingertips via a new SBA
mobile application from the U.S. Small Business Administration.


"Increasingly, smart phones are the vehicle through which Americans access
information.  This is certainly true of many entrepreneurs and small
business owners and this new application ensures they will have access to
SBA's resources and programs - literally at their fingertips," said SBA
Administrator Karen G. Mills.  "Greater mobility fits with the new
user-focused SBA.gov launched recently, and is another example of the steps
we are taking to do a better job of connecting entrepreneurs and small
business owners with the tools to help them start or grow their businesses
and create jobs."


Developed and donated as a gift by Palo Alto Software, Inc., the SBA mobile
app will make the search for extensive resources more efficient, whether
users are starting a new business or taking an existing business to a new
level.  The app will first be available for the Apple iPhoneR, with future
versions for other smart phone platforms.


"Palo Alto Software's mission is to help small businesses succeed.  We've
developed this mobile application for the SBA because we understand the
importance of having the right tools and resources when starting or growing
a business," said Sabrina Parsons, CEO of Palo Alto Software.  "Ideas can
strike entrepreneurs at any moment, and having useful resources available
through mobile devices could be the impetus that begins the next big
company."


The mobile app will help users connect with SBA district office staff and
SBA-affiliated counselors and mentors who can provide free, personalized
small business assistance.  The user-friendly format of the app will help
answer questions such as: How do I start a business? Where can I go in my
area to get free help with writing a business plan? And where do I begin
finding funding for my business?


The SBA mobile app also features a built-in startup cost calculator to help
estimate the costs associated with getting a business off the ground, plus
an SBA partner locator to help users find SBA offices, Small Business
Development Centers, Women's Business Centers and SCORE.


Users will also have mobile access to SBA video content and social media
alerts to provide them with tips on the go.  This will include live updates
from the SBA's YouTube channel and from SBA's Twitter feeds.  The free
mobile app can be downloaded from the SBA's website at
www.sba.gov/content/sba-mobile-app.