Conveniently, the ten yes or no question evaluation leads you to eleven steps:

Step 1: Reality Check – Candidly answer the assessment questions above and take appropriate action to address issues receiving a “no” response.

Step 2: Get Lean and Mean…

Step 3: Maximize Cash Flow…

If after the reality check you find yourself at a loss for ways to start tackling each step, the SBA also includes thirteen separate performance resources.  Most are aimed at their loan programs and business plan writing but there is a marketing guide, a website construction primer and information on government contracts in the Free Online Courses section.

The newest addition is an online course, “Down-shifting in a Slowing Economy: A Business Planning Guide.” The presentation, while running less than 25 minutes, takes small business owners through a step-by-step process of how to reevaluate and streamline their strategies.

“When sales have slowed and credit markets are tough, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and to view planning as a great idea, but something you just don’t have time for,” the course states in its introduction. “On the contrary, business planning is a constructive and necessary tool.”

The Small Business Administration has also made an online presentation that explains its 7(a) loan guaranty program in detail, then touches upon its micro-loan and Company 504 programs. Like “Downshift in a Slowing Economy,” the “Finance Primer” is also equipped with audio and targeted links. Small business owners can access the guide through the Web site’s new “Helping Main Street” section, which is linked on the home page.

Both presentations are free with registration.

The Small Business Administration cumulated them, along with other edits throughout the Web site, into the first online update it has made to deliberately address the economic crisis. The administration expects to further expand the “Helping Main Street” section with more online courses and targeted business tools.

For more information or to access its new online presentations, visit www.sba.gov.