Low-Cost Ways to Reward Employees, and Other SBA Tips

Managing a small business can be stressful, confusing, rewarding and overwhelming—sometimes all in the same day. And sometimes all in the same hour.

"Owning and running a small business is hard work," says Karen Mills, head of the Small Business Administration.

But the workload can get easier, and owners can find more business success, when they seek out support and advice.

Those who utilize long-term counselors or tap into peer networks tend to have better sales, Mills says. They also get firsthand stories of what has worked—and what not—in areas such as financing, hiring and buying new equipment.