Paul Hoffman, a Lender Relations Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration office located in Buffalo, spoke during the June 8 meeting and updated the group about SBA loan policies and practices. The SBA is an independent federal agency that provides aid, counsel, and assistance to small business owners. Hoffman said 99.3 percent of businesses nationwide are considered small businesses and thus eligible for SBA assistance. The SBA is the parent organization for our local Small Business Development Council, which is housed at Jamestown Community College's locations in Jamestown and Dunkirk.