Mansion: Thanks for the SBA loan info. Did not know SBA wants $35k govt. fee. Why this fee is so high? $35 k fee is standard for any amount of loan or that varies depending upon the loan amount? Javabeans: you said: "Many years ago (perhaps, even prevalent now) immigrants and/or minorities started a small service/retail business (restaurant, motels, gas stations) to survive either because they couldn't find work or weren't educated enough, etc. I think this norm is long gone;" .. That tradition still continues! In fact i know several Nepalese/Indians who went into business (Gas Station/Motel/ Restaurant) because they could do nothing else! Not educated enough to get decent job in this country! Guess what? Those guys are doing much better (some are millionaires!) these days than most of those who have hi-tech degree with "decent jobs" in industry! PS: I even one couple, both illegals, running multiple gas stations offering javabeans coffee and now they live in big mansion! Interesting! :-)