WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have announced that its popular Money Smart for Small Business curriculum has undergone a recent makeover.

According to SBA New Jersey District Director Al Titone, the improved modules focus on banking and credit and are now available for SBA Resource Partners, financial institutions and economic development organizations to help train entrepreneurs and small business owners.

“Money Smart for Small Business is an instructor-led training curriculum that consists of 13 modules, in English and Spanish, that provides practical financial management to small businesses,” said Titone. “The updated tools can help strengthen bank and community partnerships that support small business development and growth.”

The materials were updated based on input from industry experts and other practitioners, including more than two dozen organizations that have used previous versions of the Money Smart materials. Users will find that the updated Banking Services module now includes a discussion of traditional banking products, non-bank financing options and sources, and how to avoid fraud and scams. Similarly, the revamped Building Strong Credit module explains how a business owner’s personal credit history can impact their business, how business credit reporting works, and how a potential lender evaluates the overall creditworthiness of a small business.

Associate Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development Allen Gutierrez said, “Over the years, Money Smart for Small Business has been an excellent resource for entrepreneurs and has helped many of them to become fully equipped to compete in and contribute to our nation’s economy. I value our partnership with FDIC as we continue to provide small businesses with updated tools and content to help them better prepare for success.”

Gutierrez also noted that once participants go through the Banking Service and Building Strong Credit modules, a case study helps bring both modules together and asks participants to put the lessons they have learned into practice.

“Money Smart for Small Business aims to help small business owners and entrepreneurs understand how a strong banking relationship can help them achieve their vision,” said Elizabeth Ortiz, Deputy Director for FDIC’s Consumer and Community Affairs. “The relationship between banks and small businesses is symbiotic: when one succeeds, so does the other.”

To download the updated modules and to learn more about the Money Smart curriculum, visit www.fdic.gov/smallbusiness.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality.
As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster.
It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.