Small Business Research, Statistics Easier to Find

Words: Dan KesterThe Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy has recently redesigned its website to make it easier for small business owners, trade associations, researchers and policymakers to find the data they need and find it fast.

The site, www.sba.gov/advo, offers easy to use menus and search features that guide users to a wealth of data, reports and statistics on small business and the American economy.

Users of the newly designed site have found that regulatory issues, state profiles and other issues are much more accessible.

The Office of Advocacy is "the small business watchdog" of the government and examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small businesses to federal agencies, Congress and the President.

You can also go to their website to comment on important proposed regulations. To do so, visit http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/law_regalerts.html.

I think you'll find this a useful tool to help keep you apprised of various issues which impact your business.

Masonry Repair and Retrofit: Materials and Systems for Long-Term Performance
May 2026

Masonry has defined architecture for centuries, prized for its strength, durability, and timeless aesthetic appeal. From historic sites to modern designs, masonry buildings are durable and visually distinctive. However, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw c

David Biggs
Technical Talks
Read More
Rethinking Shelf Angle Design for High-Performance Masonry Walls
May 2026

If you've been around masonry construction long enough, you know the shelf angle is one of those details that’s easy to take for granted. It’s been used the same way for decades, set it at the slab edge, support the veneer, move on. But as building requir

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
When Schedules Tighten, Experience Shows
May 2026

In construction, schedules rarely open up; they tighten. Weather delays, trade coordination, and last-minute scope changes all add pressure, even on jobs that were planned down to the minute. When that happens, experienced masons don’t start cutting corne

Jeff Tew
MAP Partner
Read More
Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More