Jessica Stago, small business analyst for the SBA program, is available to meet with Holbrook, Winlsow or reservation residents who have questions and need assistance knowing how to plan, get financed and open a business. These services are free.

"People can get intimidated by the process because of the terms used and decisions they need to make, but people should realize that it is not so difficult and that they can change things along the way if needed," Stago said.

Stago was born and raised in Winslow, then moved away to earn a Bachelors of Science in Economics from Arizona State University then a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. After college, she came back to Winslow to be around family and friends.

"It is a great place to raise kids. I like the small town environment," she said.

Stago said the federal government created the SBA because they know that most of the workers in the U.S. are employed by small businesses.

"This is especially important in communities like ours (Winslow)," Stago said. "If you cannot get on the railroad, chances are you will be working for a small business."

Working for one's self can be very rewarding, but it can also be very difficult. Potential business owners need to consider important things like the high associated costs, the customer's needs, low profits in the beginning, loan repayment and how to market your product.

"We do have to play that kind of role to where if someone wanted to open a ski shop in Winslow, then we would have to bring them back to reality," Stago said.

It is important that someone interested in opening a business take a long critical look at his or her community. Look at the type of people who live or visit there and what their interests are. And are these interests being met to their full potential?

Many tourists come through town to stay at La Posada and see Standin' on the Corner. Many of these visitors are here for different reasons. Some are interested in art. Others are interested in Native American culture. Many come here for the outdoors south of town. What else could be downtown to give these visitors something to do?

As for the locals of Winslow, just ask you family and neighbors what kinds of things they would like to see in the business community.

People can take these types of questions and ideas to Stago and the SBA and she can help you put them all into a package that you can take to a bank for a proposal

Many people in Winslow may ask, "How can I get a loan from a bank if I have no credit, poor credit and do not make very much money?"

Stago said there are a few options here. If the business plan she can help you write is good and all the financial numbers look as if the idea will be a success, then the SBA could recommend your idea to a bank for a loan or the SBA may back-up your loan so the bank is assured they will not lose their money.

Another option for financing available to Native Americans on the reservation or near it ­ those in Winslow would still qualify ­ would be to get loans through the Regional Business Development Office for the Navajo Nation.

Stago said people should not expect to find grants for starting a business, but that she could help them look towards alternative funding sources like from non-profits and faith-based organizations.