FDIC and SBA Join Forces on Small-Business Training

WASHINGTON — A program unveiled by two federal agencies Tuesday will allow banks to provide more than just loans to aspiring small-business owners.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Small Business Administration released a 10-step instructional guide for financial institutions and other stakeholders to teach budding entrepreneurs the basics of running a business.

The instructor-led curriculum, Money Smart for Small Businesses, includes lessons on the banking services available to small businesses, financial and risk management, credit reporting, recording-keeping and insurance, among others. Each of the 10 modules is designed to be taught in an hour.

In addition to financial institutions, the program is also meant to be taught by small business development centers.

The new curriculum builds on other Money Smart guides that the FDIC has released since launching the financial-literacy program in 2001.

"We are excited to join the FDIC in its expansion of the Money Smart curriculum for small businesses," SBA Administrator Karen Mills said in a press release. "The FDIC is a vital ally in our efforts to help small businesses start, grow and create jobs."

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