This paper describes one of the key issue areas addressed by the White House Conference on Small Business, January 13-17, 1980. This issue area of Education, Training and Assistance was one of twelve major conference themes, which included Capital Formation and Retention; Minority Business Development; Economic Policy and Government Programs; Women in Business; Government Regulation and Paper work; Inflation; International Trade; Federal Procurement; Energy; Innovation and Technology; and Veterans in Business. This paper is divided into three areas of discussion. First, the pre-conference background of the issue area is described. Next, an analysis of the working issue agenda is presented along with the final conference recommendations. Finally, a discussion of problems and post-conference concerns regarding education, training, and management assistance in small business is presented. The purpose of the paper is to offer some suggestions as to why education, training, and management assistance, although a vital issue to small business, did not emerge as a critical priority at the White House Conference. (Author/BM)