<P> In the United States, the Small Business Administration (SBA) runs several loan programs that may help a small business secure loans . In these programs, the SBA guarantees a portion of the loan to the issuing bank, and thus, relieves the bank of some of the risk of extending the loan to a small business . The SBA also requires business owners to pledge personal assets and sign as a personal guarantee for the loan . The 8 (a) Business Development Program assists in the development of small businesses owned and operated by African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians . Canadian small businesses can take advantage of federally funded programs and services . See Federal financing for small businesses in Canada (grants and loans). </P> <P> On October 2010, Alejandro Cremades and Tanya Prive founded the first equity crowdfunding platform for small businesses in history as an alternative source of financing . The platform operates under the name of Rock The Post . </P> <P> Small businesses often join or come together to form organizations to advocate for their causes or to achieve economies of scale that larger businesses benefit from, such as the opportunity to buy cheaper health insurance in bulk . These organizations include local or regional groups such as Chambers of Commerce and independent business alliances, as well as national or international industry - specific organizations . Such groups often serve a dual purpose, as business networks to provide marketing and connect members to potential sales leads and suppliers, and also as advocacy groups, bringing together many small businesses to provide a stronger voice in regional or national politics . In the case of independent business alliances, promoting the value of locally owned, independent business (not necessarily small) through public education campaigns is integral to their work . </P> <P> The largest regional small business group in the United States is the Council of Smaller Enterprises, located in Greater Cleveland . United Kingdom trade and Investment (www.ukti.gov.in) gives out research in different markets around the world, also research in program planning and promotional activities to exporters . The BEXA (British Exporters Association) role is to connect new exporters to expert services, it can provide details about regional export contacts, who could be made informally to discuss issues . Trade associations and all major banks could often provide links to international groups in foreign markets, some could also help set up joint venture, trade fairs etc . </P>

A small business is defined as a company that