SBA, industry team on permit Web site

In response to industry concerns, the Small Business Administration is teaming with the private sector to develop more in-depth information on federal compliance regulations for companies.SBA announced today that its Business.gov Web site now has a tool for companies to determine license and permit requirements. The site has expanded the content in its compliance guides with help from industry partners.In addition, SBA has set up the Content Partners program to formalize relationships with government agencies, trade associations and professional organizations so they can develop assistance tools and resources for small and midsize businesses. The partners will provide specific compliance information for Business.gov.The Web site’s new Permit Me feature provides a single source for businesses to obtain federal, state and local permits and professional licenses.Finding the right license can be a challenge, SBA said in a press release.Some states offer assistance with their permit and license requirements, but not all states provide federal information. SBA said the information gap adds burdens to business owners because they must go to federal, state and local government resources separately and then compile the information to understand the regulatory requirements.Permit Me allows businesses to find a list of licensing and permit resources across all the federal, state and local domains, according to SBA.The three-year-old Business.gov is part of the President’s Management Agenda. The relaunched compliance site is designed to better meet the needs of the business community based on feedback from test groups, SBA said.