Guide to Small Business Program Size and Eligibility Standards

Determine your status.

Each agency and industry has its own definition of "small business," but it generally refers to a company with 100 or fewer employees. Check the specific requirements of the agency you hope to work with.

I recommend: Start with the Small Business Administration for an exhaustive detailing of size requirements, and look for What's New in the ever-changing landscape.

Look for bonus status

Many local, state and federal programs also are available to small businesses that are minority- or women-owned, or classified as disadvantaged.

I recommend: The Minority Business Development Agency offers guidelines for minority- and women-owned firms. The SBA's certification page and Women's Business Enterprise National Council explain the benefits of disadvantaged status, and states like California and Virginia each have their own rules.

Follow the money.

Small businesses can shoot for growth-oriented loans that are easier to qualify for than traditional business loans. Some government contracts are set aside specifically for small businesses. Innovation grants also are often aimed at smaller companies.

I recommend: Start with SBA's Financing Your Business page for basics on financing and eligibility. Then get the loan application checklist. SmallBusinessLoans.com can lead you to money sources, as can BusinessFinance.com.Check the SBA for federal grant resources. Register at Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and monitor available contracts posted at FedBizOpps to apply for some of that government work. Check Small Business Innovation Research for details on grants.

Seek out specialized consultants

From companies that covet small-business associations to other firms that barter, small businesses can reap the rewards of their not-so-hefty size.

I recommend: Visit BusinessMatchmaking (an SBA-SCORE-HP partnership program) to shift some of Washington's Beltway business your way. Hook up with Microsoft as a small-business technology specialist. Tune in online to Small Business Television for a host of specialized tips and case studies. Use the free consultants at SCORE if you hit a glitch. Check out the free online SBA government contracting course, as well as its subcontracting opportunities. Barter your way to prosperity and contacts with the International Reciprocal Trade Association or National Association of Trade Exchanges.