Representatives of the federal Small Business Administration will speak this week in Freeland about the agency’s programs.

The seminar, sponsored by the Greater Freeland Chamber of Commerce, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Whidbey Island Bank, 5590 Harbor Ave.

Loans, business development and contracting programs, and Small Business Development Centers and the Women’s Business Center, all will be discussed, organizers said.

Small businesses are a vital part of the Whidbey Island economy. Nationwide, they represent 99.7 percent of all firms, and employ more than half of the nation’s private-sector workforce.

The seminar is free to chamber members, $5 for non-members. Everyone is welcome. For reservations, call 331-1980 or e-mail freeland@whidbey.com.

The SBA district office’s Web site is www.sba.gov/localresources/district/wa/index.html.