In the seventeen months since September 11, 2001, more than 100,000 Reserve and National Guard members have been called to active duty. The government has announced that more reservists will be called, putting a tremendous strain on both the families left behind and the businesses that are losing key employees due to the activation.

Be sure you know where to turn to get information for your business or your family as mobilization builds:

Official Small Business Administration Web Site for National Guard and Reserve Members - www.sba.gov/reservists
Includes links to:

• Veterans Business Development Officers
• Debt Relief
• Disaster Loan Assistance
• Business Counseling and Training
• Links to other resources

Military Leave Rights and the Obligations of the Nation's Employers Source: US Chamber of Commerce (PDF, 109K)

Military Leave and Civic Duty Leave Source: US Chamber of Commerce

Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Information - Source: US Small Business Administration

Web site for Employer Support of The Guard And Reserve

There are no strong numbers to suggest how many reservists work for CPA firms or hold financial positions in small companies. But with over 100,000 called, it is safe to say that tens of thousands are leaving organizations on which there will be a financial impact. So whether you are among the reservists, are with an organization that has reservists, or are an advisor to small businesses with reservists, you will find these resources of assistance.