With the help of the Small Business Administration's Surety Bond Guarantee Program small construction firms were awarded in fiscal year 2013 more than $1.2 billion in contracts. This number represents a 61 percent increase over fiscal year 2012. SBA also guaranteed bonds for public and private contract bids valued at $4.9 billion, resulting in a total contract amount of more than $6.1 billion.

"The Surety Bond Guarantee program, along with our loan programs, provides small businesses with significant opportunities to grow and create jobs, which translates into stronger local economies," said Ann Marie Mehlum, SBA Associate Administrator for the office of Capital Access, which oversees the SBG program. "2013 was a banner year and we look forward to an even better 2014 helping small businesses bid for and obtain contracts."