The SBA released the following information on the windows for lender participation. As you know, CFIs, including SBA Microlenders, had first access for first draw loans starting on January 11 and second draw on January 13. A new group of lenders under $1 billion in assets will have access starting tomorrow, in addition to CFIs. […]

WWBIC Puts Dreams to Work in Wisconsin
WWBIC, founded in 1987, is a economic development corporation headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. WWBIC goal is “Putting Dreams to Work” through its financing and technical assistance to small businesses in Wisconsin. In 2018, WWBIC provided 26,755 counseling and training hours, assisting 5,119 clients, and closed over $7,506,900 (131) in small business loans. Their clients started, […]
ACE Helps Businesses Launch and Thrive in Georgia
Since 2000, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) has helped over 900 small businesses start and grow in Georgia, made more than $60 million in loans and helped create/retain nearly 8,000 jobs. ACE, a longtime member of the Friends, is focused on assisting small-business owners of color, women, low-income entrepreneurs and others who lack equitable […]
Microloan Business Spotlight: Noodle Nirvana, A Restaurant with a Conscience
Written by Sam Rapoza The Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) is a long time member of the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program. MACED is local to Kentucky, and partners with people local to the state who like Ms. Suramek, are keen on building upon the strengths of Kentucky and Central Appalachia through […]
National Small Business Week
Written by Sam Rapoza This week is National Small Business Week. Since 1963, presidents have declared a week recognizing contributions of our country’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Our members, the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program, play an important role in supporting entrepreneurs the Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program. This is the largest federal […]
March 2017 SBA Microloan Briefing
On March 30th, the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program gathered in Washington, D.C. to meet with senior SBA staff and Members of Congress and their staff about their work as Microloan intermediaries. As a part of the effort, the group hosted a Congressional Briefing in the House Small Business Committee Room. Ayrianne Parks of […]
CEF, 40 Years Strong: Forging New Partnerships to Benefit Small Businesses
Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), a member of the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program, is turning 40! The organization, which is a private non-profit lending institution offering loans to small businesses in Colorado, provides technical assistance and capital to help promote business development and growth. In fact, CEF has loaned over $49 million to more than […]
Business News Daily Recommends Accion for Start-up Lending
Accion recently received a recommendation from Business News Daily, which highlights the Friends member as the best alternative lender for startup loans. Accion was chosen from dozens of alternative lenders. Read the story…
House Appropriations Committee Releases FY16 Financial Services Bill
The House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2016 Financial Services Bill on June 17, on a vote of 30-to-20. The bill provides a total of $20.2 billion in funding for the Treasury Department, the Judiciary, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Securities and Exchange Committee, which is $1.3 billion below the FY15 allocation […]
In the News
Treasurer Spencer Coggs Keynote Speaker at Financial Education Graduation Milwaukee Courier Coggs stated “You are taking control of your future by participating and completing this course in financial literacy.” Sponsored by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) and the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), the 100 graduates had completed the classes […]