20 Government Agencies Every Small Business Should Know

Here’s a list of major U.S. government agencies that small businesses commonly use, along with links and a short summary of what each agency does.

1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
   Provides loans, grants, counseling, and business development resources.
2. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
   Handles business tax information, EIN registration, and tax compliance resources.
3. U.S. Department of Commerce
   Supports business growth and trade, offers data and economic insights.
4. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
   Protects brands, inventions, trademarks, and patents.
5. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
   Oversees wage laws, workplace safety, and employee rights.
6. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
   Enforces workplace health and safety standards.
7. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
   Offers grants, loans, and help for businesses in food, farming, and rural areas.
8. U.S. Department of the Treasury
   Manages government finances, tax policies, and small business funding programs.
9. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
   Funds energy-related businesses, offers research and innovation support.
10. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
    Regulates truth in advertising, consumer rights, and fair competition.
11. U.S. Census Bureau
    Supplies data and reports to help with market research and planning.
12. Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
    Provides support and insurance for companies exporting goods.
13. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
    Supports minority entrepreneurs with contracts, funding, and resources.
14. Women’s Business Centers (WBC)
    Helps women-owned businesses with advice, funding, and training.
15. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
    Offers local business counseling, mentoring, and workshops.
16. Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
    Supports veteran entrepreneurs with training, counseling, and loans.
17. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
    Ensures businesses with federal contracts follow equal employment rules.
18. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    Regulates food, medical, cosmetic, and health-related businesses.
19. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    Regulates environmental impact and provides compliance assistance.
20. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
    Handles imports/exports, trade compliance, and customs rules.

Use these agencies for licensing, funding, guidance, compliance, and growth. Bookmark this list for quick access as your business needs change.