Jonathan Bean's book chronicles the growth and development of the Small Business Administration (SBA) from its inception in 1953 through the present. In addition to placing the SBA's actions in the context of changing political environments, the book focuses on three separate issues, though it is not organized this way. The first two are different types of affirmative action: preferences and subsidies for “small” firms, and preferences for people who have been “economically disadvantaged.” Finally, it chronicles the history of scandal and corruption that has plagued the SBA.