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Commercial banks

Small Business Support Services Expand Amid Y2K Fears

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the year 2000 draws near, small business owners are facing new challenges related to the Y2K computer dating problem. In response, various organizations have established support services to help entrepreneurs navigate this issue. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced a fax-back service, and Sprint is offering a free booklet on productivity. Additionally, NationsBank has launched two Web sites, including an Online Women's Business Center in collaboration with the SBA. Other initiatives, such as a construction course and reduced-rate memberships for new contractors, are being offered by the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis. The Professional Women's Home Office organization and the National Association for Female Executives will also host a women's business conference. These services aim to provide small business owners with the necessary resources and support to overcome the Y2K challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established a fax-back service to help small businesses with Y2K computer dating problems, accessible by calling toll-free (877) 789-2565.
  • Sprint is offering a free booklet on productivity, "Sprint Business' 24-Hour Guide to Productivity: A Day in the Life of a Small Business Owner," available by calling (877) 711-4485 or emailing sprintbizbooklet@ahc.net.
  • NationsBank has launched two Web sites for small businesses, including the Small Business Resource Center with a "Trend Watch" electronic newsletter at http://www.nationsbank.com/smallbiz.
  • In collaboration with the SBA, NationsBank has created the Online Women's Business Center at http://www.online.wbc.org.
  • The Associated General Contractors of St. Louis is offering a six-month course called "The Business of Construction" and three reduced-rate memberships for new contractors and suppliers.
  • The National Association for Female Executives and the Professional Women's Home Office organization will host a women's business conference on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Louis Marriott West Hotel, featuring over 65 women-owned businesses and motivational and networking workshops.
  • The conference fee is $49 for members and $69 for non-members, with more information available by calling (314) 995-1455.

Statistics:

  • Toll-free number for the SBA fax-back service: (877) 789-2565
  • Toll-free number for the Y2K answer desk: 800-U-ASK-SBA (800-827-5722)
  • Toll-free number for ordering Sprint's booklet: (877) 711-4485
  • Email address for Sprint's booklet: sprintbizbooklet@ahc.net
  • Number of women-owned businesses showcased at the conference: over 65
  • Conference fee for members: $49
  • Conference fee for non-members: $69
  • Date and time of the women's business conference: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sources:

  • SBA fax-back service: no specific source mentioned
  • Sprint's free booklet: no specific source mentioned
  • NationsBank Web sites: http://www.nationsbank.com/smallbiz and http://www.online.wbc.org
  • Associated General Contractors of St. Louis: no specific source mentioned
  • Professional Women's Home Office and National Association for Female Executives conference: no specific source mentioned

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