In this episode of "SBA Today," hosts Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek navigate through the latest developments in the world of the Small Business Administration for the week of January 6, 2025.

Reflecting on their holiday experiences, the hosts dive into how fluctuations in small business lending limits and new SBLC licenses are influencing the financial landscape. This episode serves up a rich dialogue on the delicate balance between economic progress and the inherent challenges businesses face.

Key Takeaways:

• The SBA has avoided a government shutdown, safeguarding resources and disaster funds for vulnerable communities.
• Lending limits for community advantage SBLCs have increased from $350,000 to $500,000, supporting broader access to financial resources.
• The FDIC reports a decline in small business loans, underscoring the influence of rising interest rates and tightened loan standards.
• SBA lending strategies involve balancing risk, especially regarding working capital loans.
• Looking ahead, both hosts emphasize the importance of opportunity and communication in personal and professional growth. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. ______________________________________________________

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner? Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in:

Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact: Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected] 

Welcome to this week's deep dive into the SBA landscape as we explore the latest updates from Capitol Hill, SBA loan trends, and the spirit of gratitude.

Join Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek on SBA Today as they dive into the significant small business trends and federal developments on Capitol Hill for the week of December 16th. 

This episode covers intriguing updates about SBA loan distribution across the United States, insights into government fiscal actions, and heartwarming discussions on the value of gratitude as the year concludes. With an emphasis on regions like Washington, Colorado, Florida, and Utah, the duo unpacks the surprising metrics of SBA loans per capita.

In this episode, listeners will find a detailed analysis of legislative updates, including Chairman Williams' reappointment and his critiques on SBA's regulatory changes. Emphasizing the importance of meeting submission deadlines, they discuss the implications of potential government shutdowns and continuing resolutions in the fiscal landscape for 2024. As the conversation unfolds, there's a notable focus on the impact of SBA regulations and the potential staff restructuring within the SBA headquarters.

By addressing these core topics, Paul and Tonya aim to shed light on the small business ecosystem's future dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

➡️ Washington, Colorado, Florida, and Utah are leading in SBA loan dollars per capita, reflecting regional economic engagement. ➡️Discussions on government fiscal strategy reveal an ongoing debate over budget allocations and the role of continuing resolutions in avoiding shutdowns. ➡️Highlights from Capitol Hill include critiques on SBA's regulatory practices and Chairman Roger Williams' continued oversight. ➡️Senator Joni Ernst is advocating for SBA staff relocation and reduction efforts, aiming to enhance government efficiency. ➡️Emphasizing gratitude, the hosts reflect on the year’s challenges and successes in the SBA lending sector and encourage kindness during the holiday season.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. 

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner? Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in:

Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact: Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected] 

Join hosts Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek on SBA Today as they discuss the latest nominee for SBA administrator, Kelly Loeffler, and her potential impact on small businesses.

Delve into clarifying procedural notices, including changes to lien requirements on vehicles, tax transcript protocols, and do-it-yourself construction policies.

Understand the intricacies of C-PACE financing and maturity terms for ownership changes. Stay informed about the nuances of refinancing debt via merchant cash advances.

Whether you're involved in SBA lending or just curious about the changes, this episode offers valuable insights for industry professionals.

• New SBA Leadership Speculation: Discussion about the potential new head of the SBA and the implications for small businesses.

• Procedural Notice Clarification: Detailed breakdown of SBA’s 14-page procedural notice, highlighting changes in loan maturity evaluations and collateral requirements.

• Community Property and Collateral: Insight into SBA requirements in community property states and simplified collateral guidelines.

• Do-It-Yourself Construction Rules: New rules for DIY construction loans, addressing previous confusion and easing lender concerns.

• Merchant Cash Advance Clarifications: Simplified refinancing rules for merchant cash advances, making SBA loans more accessible.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. 

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner? Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in:

Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact: Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected] 

In this lively episode of "SBA Today," Paul and Tonya explore the intricate landscape of mergers and acquisitions. They delve into the multifaceted aspects of buying and selling businesses. Their discussion provides insights from both borrower and lender perspectives, making the complex subject of mergers and acquisitions more approachable for their audience.

Focusing primarily on the lender’s viewpoint, the episode kicks off with a critical observation: "You're buying people, not just a business." This episode's highlights include the importance of due diligence, the pitfalls of neglecting human resources during acquisitions, and the time factor in closing deals. They emphasize how essential it is for borrowers to dig beyond surface-level numbers when evaluating business opportunities. Paul humorously remarks, "Due diligence is everything. Or I like to say, duh, of course it is," underscoring the seriousness of this often overlooked step.

Paul and Tonya also shed light on the lender perspective, sharing anecdotes about the challenges faced when a client's initial demeanor deteriorates after closing a loan. Their candid discussion touches on common obstacles such as hidden seller notes and the critical nature of aligning buyer skills with the business being acquired. Tonya aptly notes, "Know what your specialty is," reinforcing the theme of proper business-buyer fit.

• When acquiring a business, remember that you are "buying people, not just a business," emphasizing the importance of the existing team.

• Thorough due diligence is crucial for a successful acquisition—don’t overlook potential pitfalls hidden beneath the surface.

• The way a client treats the lender at the beginning of the process is often the best behavior to expect.

• Time is a critical factor in closing deals; unnecessary delays can lead to lost opportunities.

• A buyer's skills should align with the business they intend to purchase to ensure a smoother transition and ongoing success.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. 

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner? Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in:

Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact: Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected] 

In this week’s SBA Today, hosts Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek discuss the political buzz around potential candidates for the SBA administrator role, featuring names like Tim Scott, Laura Trump, Sarah Palin, and Mike Lindell.

They also delve into a report comparing how small and large banks handle small business loans, highlighting the personalized approach smaller banks often take. Tonya shares a heartfelt farewell to a valued colleague, emphasizing the importance of relationships in banking. 

Tune in for insights on the latest SBA news and bank dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• Future SBA Administrator Predictions: Possible candidates include Tim Scott, Sarah Palin, and Mike Lindell, sparking debates and speculation.
• Small Banks vs. Large Banks: Small banks deliver more personalized service, meeting with small business loan applicants nearly 90% of the time.
• Relationships in Lending: The importance of direct relationships and their impact on credit decisions in fostering small business growth.

Potential Candidates for the Next SBA Administrator

The buzz surrounding the appointment of the next SBA Administrator is a dynamic discussion teeming with political intrigue and the stark realities of governance. According to Inc. Magazine, among the notable names being considered are Tim Scott, Laura Trump, Sarah Palin, and Mike Lindell.

Each of these individuals brings a unique blend of experiences and characteristics. "I'm very eagerly looking at who will be SBA administrator," Paul Long notes, illustrating the intense curiosity this leadership decision brings within political and economic spheres. 

Small Banks Surpass Large Banks in Meeting Loan Applicants

A revealing segment of the discourse revolves around the comparative dynamics of small and large banks in small business lending. The Coleman Report, coupled with FDIC findings, underscores that small banks are significantly more inclined to have direct interactions with loan applicants.

"Small banks are significantly more likely than large banks to meet directly with small business loan applicants," states Tanya, illustrating how nearly 90% of small banks manage to engage directly with their clients, compared to less than 40% for larger institutions. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. 

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner? Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in:

Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact: Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected] 

Join Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek on SBA Today for an insightful discussion centered on recent developments in the Small Business Administration and the impact of new administrative changes on SBA lending.

This episode, taking place the week of November 19th, navigates through key industry insights, including updates from the NAGGL conference and shifts in how SBA operates under the new administration.

In this episode, Paul and Tanya delve into the implications of potential changes in SBA fee waivers and default rates, providing listeners with the foresight needed to strategize for the upcoming year. They emphasize the significance of joining the NAGGL community for continued learning and understanding of changes within the SBA framework, a crucial move for anyone serious about staying competitive in SBA lending.

Moreover, Paul elaborates on the new 1502 process aimed at simplifying back-end operations, while both hosts debate the values and downsides of these administrative shifts.

Key Takeaways:

• The NAGGL Conference revealed critical insights for SBA lending, including anticipated changes in fee waivers and default management.
• The SBA is considering ending fee waivers due to higher default rates, prompting lenders to prepare for potential policy reversals.
• A new streamlined 1502 process promises to automate certain back-office functions, improving efficiency and reducing human error.
• The newly introduced Redwood Score offers a nuanced evaluation of loan quality, changing the landscape of SBA risk assessment.
• Essential advice for SBA lenders includes ensuring E-Tran data fidelity and understanding policy shifts to maintain compliance. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer.

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner? Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in:

Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact: Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected] 

Join Paul Long and Tanya Mazurek, your lively hosts of SBA Today, as they bring you the latest in small business lending news, stories, and insights. In this Halloween-themed episode, expect a fun mix of costumes and serious discussions on the new servicing and liquidation SOP changes from the SBA, starting December 1st.

The duo also stresses the significance of creating connections and networking in the business world. In their episode for the week of October 28th, Paul and Tanya dive into the importance of personal branding for Business Development Officers and how an expansive network can open unforeseen doors. They also discuss the implications of the upcoming changes in the SBA's servicing SOP and how understanding these nuances can enhance a BDO's effectiveness. Additionally, they discuss topics such as the challenges of part-time business ownership and navigating businesses with perceived lack of competition.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a personal brand is invaluable for BDOs aiming to expand their professional network and grow their influence.
• The new SBA servicing and liquidation SOP will take effect on December 1st, focusing primarily on clarification rather than substantial changes.
• Understanding and interplay of the back-end processes like servicing and liquidation are crucial for BDOs to improve operational efficiency.
• Effective networking and making the right connections can significantly affect one's career trajectory.
• Misjudged ownership narratives, like working part-time or claiming no competition, warrant thorough scrutiny to assess genuine business viability.

In this episode of SBA Today, hosts Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek delve into pressing matters concerning SBA funds, specifically the disaster loan program following hurricanes in Florida. Their conversation covers critical financing programs, the necessity for Congress's action on additional funds, and the strategic importance of staying ahead even as the fiscal environment presents uncertainties like potential government shutdowns.

Paul and Tonya discuss in detail the distinct features between SBA's Working Capital pilot program and the Cap Line program, emphasizing the flexibility and advantages of the newly introduced program. Bringing into focus the benefits of the Working Capital program, they breakdown how fees, relationship-building, and training contribute to the financial landscape for lenders.

The conversation shifts to a spirited discussion on the synergy of industry experience, exploring which backgrounds could potentially transition into successful business ownership in various industries.

Key Takeaways:

🔸The disaster loan fund for SBA is currently empty, yet applications remain open—encouraging candidates to "get in line" much like at Disneyland, preparing for new funding.

🔸The Working Capital pilot program offers lucrative options over the Cap Line, such as annual fees and using LIBOR, aiming to make financing more accessible.

🔸Industry experience can greatly influence the success of ownership transfer in businesses—especially when considering lenders’ willingness to lend based on background synergy.

🔸Context and related prior experience are vital when a borrower from one industry seeks to dive into a different field or type of business ownership.

🔸Future-proofing loans includes understanding

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer.

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner? Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in:

Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact: Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected] 

Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek bring the latest insights from SBA Today, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "why" behind lending practices.

They explore the significance of sharing loan success stories within teams and how this can enhance purpose-driven work. They also unravel details from the recent SBA Connect Call, highlighting topics such as loan guarantee stats, working capital pilot programs, and subordination on EIDLs.

This episode blends practical advice with insightful commentary, aiming to keep listeners informed and engaged in the world of SBA lending. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Understanding the "why" behind SBA lending can greatly enhance team motivation and satisfaction.
• The SBA Connect call highlighted several updates, including procedures and expected response times at the Loan Guarantee Processing Center (LGPC).
• Thoughts on WHY The Working Capital Pilot Program is Underutilized 

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. 

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner? Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in: Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected] 

📰 It’s a new Year!! You are all at 0.00 Congrats! So who won the award?

📰 SBA Guzman testify at the Small Business Committee

💡 What would you say?

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. 

Are you a business owner or prospective business owner?

Let’s see how we can help you.

If your business or perspective business is in: Washington, Oregon, or Idaho contact: Paul Long at Gesa Credit Union [email protected]

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank [email protected]