It might not feel like it, but there is actually a lot of money going around for small business owners, and most of it is coming straight from the Stimulus Package through the SBA.  I found this out from my friend Eric Ness, from the Wisconsin SBA office, when he and I were in Washington, D.C. for National Small Business Week.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the SBA has received $375 million to temporarily eliminate loan fees and raise loan guarantees up to 90%.  The SBA’s Microloan program also received additional $50 million in new loans, available today for loans up to $35,000.  Overall, the SBA is working to unfreeze small business lending from banks in order to help businesses compete for construction and service contracts, create new jobs and promote investment in small businesses.  Eric said, “We know small businesses have a prove ability to create new jobs and commerce.  The next phase of our economic recovery rests in their hands.”

If you’d like to find out more, you can read the article Eric wrote for SBA here.  M3 Racers are already receiving SBA loans to fuel their growth and writing about their experiences blow-by-blow, which you can see here.

We were both in D.C. a few weeks ago to cheer on a remarkable woman who has been a leader for women, for entrepreneurship, and for Count Me In. Laurie was named National Women in Business Champion by US SBA Administrator Karen Mills. Laurie is the CEO and Co-founder of Inacom Information Systems a Madison, WI., a company with revenues of $80million with more than 150 employees.

If your dream is to build your business like Laurie built hers, go to SBA.gov or contact the SBA office in your state and learn about new financing opportunities. You can also get in touch with many women who are finding and using SBA money right now by joining them in the M3RACE here.

My route to work each morning takes me past what is left of the New York Flower District. Passing the palm trees, orchids, rhododendrons and azaleas that line 28th Street, I think about the day ahead- what needs to be done, what I’m looking forward to. The plants and flowers themselves remind me of the passing of the seasons: Halloween pumpkins are replaced by Thanksgiving wreaths and later Christmas trees, which make way for red Valentine’s day roses and then Easter lilies as winter thaws into spring. These transitions help keep me in the present, aware of the “now.” While it might not be the traditional silent, chanting meditation, my daily walk focuses my mind for the tasks ahead.

Thinking about what you see on your way to work can be a powerful starting place for focusing your vision for your business. Chances are, you became a business owner because you wanted to be in charge- setting the pace, the goals, and the mission for your company. Focus and clarity is so important, especially if you hope to be an effective leader.

Prepare yourself for your day by observing what’s around you. Whether you walk to a towering office building or just down the hall to your home workstation, be present- set the tone for your day, and clear your mind before getting to work. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish, and maintain this focus- don’t get bogged down by the little details or daily tasks that can chip away at your larger mission. Sometimes a little morning meditation is all it takes to put everything in perspective, allowing yourself the freedom to grow your business the way you want to.

Believe in you.