Finding funding for your budding small business can be more than a headache.

The government may not want to help you, but there are plenty of agencies that do.

The Small Business Administration is one of them.

Well-known for its assistance in planning and managing small businesses, the SBA can be your tool to finding the help you need.

For minorities, there is the Minority Business Development Agency that offers information on business development and financing.

Don’t feel too disappointed if you find your minority status is getting overlooked.

While the government does not guarantee minorities and women any special treatment, there are plenty of agencies and banks that want to help these groups.

Many SBA-certified lenders (some are: Bank of America, Wachovia and Wells Fargo) give special consideration to small business owners of minority status.

So, don’t give up. Just keep looking and shoving your foot in the door. Even if it gets slammed a few times.