With that in mind, organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) take their roles seriously as advisors, supporters and advocates for U.S. businesses.

William Manger, Associate Administrator, Office of Field Operations for the SBA, highlighted the resources and loans available to small businesses during a recent Strategic Conversations interview.

Just go to the web page for an instant replay or to download this valuable discussion that will help you make the best use of the SBA.

During the interview and follow-up question and answer session, Bill explained the resources and the different loan programs available through the SBA.

For example, he described the 504 Loan Program in great detail. "The 504 Loan Program is tailor made for fixed asset acquisition 'bricks and mortar' a building, machinery or piece of equipment," he explained.

Listen to the interview and find out more about the SBA loan programs that encourage financial institutions to make loans that they might ordinarily find a bit risky, due to a small company's brief time in business or other financial commitments. Manger said, "The SBA guarantees 50 to 80 percent of a small business loan that a vendor is making to a business. It can be for an infusion of capital to take the business to the next level as well as for startup needs."

Manger also talked about the free counseling and advice available from the SBA and its partner organizations such as Small Business Centers, SCORE and Women's Business Centers.

For example, SCORE volunteers, generally retired executives who have been extremely successful in many different business roles and can offer a wealth of knowledge and practical tips for small business owners.

Don't miss your opportunity to hear more about this and other valuable information. Just click on the streaming audio link above to listen to this discussion.

Bill's discussion is part of a monthly series of insightful interviews sponsored by Strategic Conversations co-creator, Henry Barbey.

Strategic Conversations is an interpersonal communication skill process designed to produce valuable, clear and meaningful conversations in your professional and personal interactions. Its application is wide-ranging, from business meetings and group process, to sensitive professional conversations, and highly charged emotional encounters.

To find out more about how business to business peer groups comprised of your colleagues can help you address your business concerns and challenges, help you create more effective strategic plans, and solve employee conflicts - review "Your Business Colleagues and Peers: A Fountain of Wisdom, Solutions & Advice" at and to learn more about creating your own peer group, visit this resource, "Realize Your Personal and Business Potential: The 21st Century Peer Group Process" at http://www.twentyfirstcenturypeergroups.com .