The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a Small Business Administration Programs and Services Workshop in Picayune.

The workshop will take place at Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library May 16 from 11 a.m. until noon.

Lance Foster, branch manager at SBA’s Gulfport office, said the hour long workshop will provide an overview of the services offered by SBA that can help start a new business or build an existing business.

Participants will be provided with a free business consultation and contacts of industry experts to help them on the path, Foster said.

Foster will speak at the workshop that will also provide in-depth information regarding SBA’s loan programs and the various banks participating in these loan programs throughout the state.

New and existing business owners can receive insight into SBA’s role with government contracting. Information will also be shared about the design of government contracting to better help small businesses compete in the federal market, Foster said.

“The message will be universal for those thinking to venture out and those already there in the market,” he said.

As a former small business owner, Foster said people are often led to believe that start-ups are unable to receive financial assistance.

“As long as you have the right business plan and one heck of a selling point, nothing could stop you,” he said.

In the last five years startups in the state successfully secured loans that typically entail barriers especially for a new business, he said.

Foster said the key to success is having an evolving business plan while also maintaining expertise in a chosen industry’s past, present and future on a local and national level.

To register for the workshop email Bridget Johnson-Fells at bridget.johnson@sba.gov or call 228-863-4449, ext: 225.