The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, preserve free competitive enterprise and maintain and strengthen the nation’s overall economy. Its mission remains to help Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA serves the people in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. For more information on the Minnesota District Office, visit www.sba.gov/mn.