JOIN AFCEA

---

---

Numerous government agencies have been learning effective Web use from the commercial sector to improve service to private citizens, and one is returning the favor by offering services that help businesses grow. The Small Business Administration (SBA), Washington, D.C., is launching several initiatives through its Web site that will help established companies improve and entrepreneurs realize their dreams.

Justin Van Epps, director of customer relations, Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO), SBA, explains that the organization has established an e-government group as part of the Office of the CIO that is the managing partner of the Business Gateway. One goal is to develop a business portal where small business owners can go for information from a variety of agencies. The second goal is to examine the hundreds of government forms that entrepreneurs need to start a company and provide them on one Web site.
 
In addition to these two goals, Van Epps explains that the SBA is looking at its own service delivery to determine how it can be improved. The SBA also is examining how it practices e-government techniques and how it can use technology to improve business processes and service delivery.
 
Some progress already has been made. The application process for Department of Housing and Urban Development zone status has been automated, for example, and the SBA is working on a similar upgrade for 8(a) and small disadvantaged business status.
 
In addition, the SBA is exploring how to automate the loan application process. This is an important area, Van Epps relates, because automating this process could reduce the amount of time it takes for loan approval, which is a critical decision point for an entrepreneur.
 
Training and development is another focus area for the SBA. “What we’ve found is that we have a lot of programs that we offer through our partners, but a lot of the training could be provided online…” he relates.
 
In January, the SBA worked with the Office of Management and Budget, the General Services Administration and the U.S. Defense Department to integrate the Pro-Net and Central Contractor Registration databases. Van Epps explains that this creates a single place where companies can register to do business with the federal government.