The U.S. Small Business Administration has scheduled two events in Hilo May 21 to assist small business owners and potential startups.

The first event is intended to help veterans and the military community start a small business. The "Veterans Entrepreneurial Seminar" is presented by the SBA and Hawai'i Small Business Development Center Network and will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Hawai'i Community College.

The program will address issues business owners face when starting or expanding independent business ventures. Special emphasis will be given to business planning and financial assistance programs.

The second event, "Business Loan Blitz," will run from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the college. The program is presented by the SBDC Network, American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawai'i, Central Pacific Bank, and Hawai'i National Bank.

Participants will be able to meet with the various lenders and pitch their loan proposals. The SBA provides the lenders a loan guaranty of up to 85 percent on approved loans.

For more information or to register for either event, call (808) 541-2990, ext. 215, or e-mail david.brown@sba.gov. Registration also can be done online at www.sba.gov/hi.