SBA unveils Web site for Hispanic community

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the launch of its new Spanish-language Web site, www.sba.gov/espanol. The site is aimed at reaching the growing Hispanic business community and the Spanish-speaking community at large with a business tool to help current and aspiring owners to start and grow their businesses successfully.

The site responds to the needs of a segment of the U.S. population that, according to the Census Bureau, has grown to become the largest ethnic minority in the country, with more than 35 million people. According to statistics gathered by a leading Spanish-language Internet provider, 78 percent of all Hispanics have access to the Internet.

"Reaching the Spanish-speaking, small-business community is an important priority for the SBA," said Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "Users visiting our new Web site will find information on how to start and grow a business as well as learn about

our valuable programs and services."

Minority-owned businesses account for more than 15 percent of all businesses in the United States. Of those, the largest

share, 39.5 percent (or close to 6 percent of the total) are owned by Hispanics. Hispanic-owned businesses employ around 2 million people and contribute more that $200 billion annually to the U.S. economy, according to the SBA.

Initially, the site will have approximately 80 pages covering relevant issues such as writing a business plan, starting a business, financing a business, technical assistance, accessing government contracts, signage and information for women entrepreneurs. Also, the site will include its own search engine to make it easier for users to find information.

Additionally, it will provide links to other government Spanish-language Web sites.

The SBA Spanish-language Web site is an ongoing project and will continue to add relevant business information as it becomes available.

"Our goal is to continue to add more information to the Spanish-language Web site over the next few months so that it complements our main Web site at www.sba.gov," Barreto added. "The SBA is the nation's small business resource and we intend to be a leading resource for the Spanish-speaking community in the (United States) as well."