In this special edition of the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast, hosts Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA of Meridian Business Advisors and Colette Kemp of SureStep Business Advisors sit down with one of the Southeast’s most trusted SBA lenders — Erica Gregg Parker, VP SBA Lending, Fidelity Bank — to unpack what the recent government shutdown really means for deal flow.

Brokers and business owners have been asking the same questions:

     - Are year-end closings still possible?

     - Are lenders tightening?

     - Will holiday slowdowns make Q1 2026 even worse?

     - What’s actually happening with underwriting timelines?

Erica breaks it all down — with clarity, candor, and insights only someone inside the lending world can provide.

You'll learn:

     - How the shutdown impacted SBA submissions and credit decisions

     - Whether 2025 closings are still realistic

     - What’s changing in bank appetite as we enter 2026

     - Why lenders are being more selective in Q4

     - What buyers and sellers must do now to avoid delays

     - Bold predictions for Q1–Q2 SBA lending in 2026

     - The most common deal-packaging mistakes brokers are making

     - How to prepare files so underwriting says “yes” faster

If you’re a broker, buyer, or business owner relying on SBA financing, this is the episode to get ahead of the next 90 days.

Subscribe, share, and stay informed — it matters more this year than ever.

Supplemental Links

     - www.SBA.gov

     - www.Sellyourway.com

     - www.IBBA.org

Co-Hosts Contact

Call or Text (804)-920-8897

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