This week on The Art of SBA Lending, we’re diving into the Twitter war of the century: Elon Musk vs. the SBA. It all started when Musk called the Small Business Administration the "Shady Business Administration" and claimed that only 8% of SBA loans get paid back. Naturally, we had to set the record straight.

Ray Drew and an expert panel of Art of SBA Contributors discuss:

➡️ The impact of Musk’s comments and whether misinformation could disrupt the SBA ➡️ The reality of SBA loan repayment rates (spoiler: it’s not 8%) ➡️ What happens if the SBA 7(a) program is eliminated—would private lenders fill the gap? ➡️ The efficiency of the SBA and whether emerging tech (like AI) could make lending faster ➡️ The future of Community Advantage loans, SBLCs, and potential policy changes

Join Ray Drew, Darren Davis, Javier Jorge, and Brooke Mirenda as they unpack the chaos, misinformation, and possible shake-ups in the world of SBA lending.

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments! Should we be worried about the SBA’s future?

🎙This episode is sponsored by:

Lumos

Lumos empowers your small business lending growth with cutting-edge analytics and streamlined applications that optimize your performance.

If you're ready to take your small business lending to the next level with cutting edge analytics visit lumosdata.com.

Rapid Business Plans

Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders.

For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call go to https://rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba

The Director’s Retreat

Join us May 4-5 in Savannah, Georgia, for an exclusive event tailored to the heads of SBA 7(a) lending programs. This retreat is your chance to collaborate with peers, share insights, and tackle the unique challenges of leading SBA lending programs. Don’t miss out—register now to secure your spot! https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-directors-retreat-tickets-198763

SBA Jobs Board

Hiring for your SBA department? We’ve got you covered! The SBA Jobs Board is here to bridge the gap between you and top SBA talent. Our Art of SBA Lending audience is packed with experts ready for their next career move. List your openings with us to connect with the best in the industry and find the right fit for your team. Live now on our new Art of SBA Website | https://www.artofsba.com/job-board

Loving The Art of SBA Lending episodes? Make sure to follow along with our sister shows, The BDO Show and SBA Today, each week with the links below!  

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBDOShow

https://www.youtube.com/@SBAToday

Head to http://www.artofsba.com for more information and to sign up for our must-read monthly newsletter to stay up to date with The Art of SBA Lending.

What does it take to rise as a leader in the competitive and ever-changing SBA lending space?

In this episode of The Art of SBA Lending, we’re joined by Glenn Giro, Alan Peterson, and Jared W. Johnson—three industry leaders who share their insights into navigating the dynamic world of SBA lending, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities.

SBA lending is full of growth potential, but it’s not without its challenges. Today, we dive into how these experts are leading the charge, adapting to market changes, and embracing innovation to stay ahead.

Key topics include:

• Overcoming the latest challenges in SBA lending 

• The importance of mentorship in shaping your career 

• How Increased competition is reshaping the industry

• Navigating difficult situations in your day to day

Whether you're an emerging lender or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the evolving SBA landscape and lead with confidence.

This episode is sponsored by:

Shatterbox

Learn how Shatterbox can help you hire and invest in bright young talent without breaking the bank. Go to https://shatterbox.io/artofsba and set up a discovery call today.  

Rapid Business Plans

Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders.

For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call go to https://rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba

The Director’s Retreat

Join us May 4-5 in Savannah, Georgia, for an exclusive event tailored to the heads of SBA 7(a) lending programs. This retreat is your chance to collaborate with peers, share insights, and tackle the unique challenges of leading SBA lending programs. Don’t miss out—register now to secure your spot! https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-directors-retreat-tickets-198763

SBA Jobs Board

Hiring for your SBA department? We’ve got you covered! The SBA Jobs Board is here to bridge the gap between you and top SBA talent. Our Art of SBA Lending audience is packed with experts ready for their next career move. List your openings with us to connect with the best in the industry and find the right fit for your team. Live now on our new Art of SBA Website | https://www.artofsba.com/job-board

Loving The Art of SBA Lending episodes? Make sure to follow along with our sister shows, The BDO Show and SBA Today, each week with the links below!  

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBDOShow

https://www.youtube.com/@SBAToday

Head to http://www.artofsba.com for more information and to sign up for our must-read monthly newsletter to stay up to date with The Art of SBA Lending.

The conversation continues! In Part 2 of this special The Art of SBA Lending series, Ray Drew picks up where we left off with Molly Harder, Rob Parkin, and Jane Castro—three rising leaders in SBA lending—to dive deeper into the challenges, innovations, and hard-earned wisdom that define their careers.

SBA lending is evolving, and those who adapt will lead the way. In this episode, we discuss the role of mentorship, the impact of AI, and how today’s trends—like rising interest rates and small loan programs—are shaping the future of the industry.

Key topics include: • The role of mentorship in long-term career success • The impact of AI and automation on SBA lending—opportunities and concerns • How industry trends like rising interest rates and small loan programs are shaping the future • The need for innovation and how up-and-coming leaders can drive change

With candid insights and practical advice from:

Molly Harder, SBA Risk Compliance Manager at First Horizon Rob Parkin, SBA Credit Director at Truliant Jane Castro, SBA Portfolio Manager at Fund-Ex Solutions Group

If you enjoyed Part 1, you won’t want to miss the rest of this insightful discussion. Whether you’re a veteran in the space or just starting out, this episode offers a forward-looking perspective on where SBA lending is headed—and how to be part of its evolution.

This episode is sponsored by:

CORPSMART

CORPSMART is a due diligence group that specializes in line searching, UCC filing, DMV title recordings and more. If you're looking to streamline your process, the CORPSMART team is the best resource, offering a wide range of services, capability to directly integrate with your in-house systems, and the icing on the cake, their over-the-top customer service, making every deal that much easier to close

To discuss your due diligence needs visit the CORPSMART website at https://corp-smart.com for more information or to set up a get acquainted call, email McKenna Weiks at [email protected] - and let them know that the Art of SBA sent you!

Rapid Business Plans

Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders.

For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call go to http://www.rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba

The Director's Retreat

Join us May 4-5 in Savannah, Georgia, for an exclusive event tailored to the heads of SBA 7(a) lending programs. This retreat is your chance to collaborate with peers, share insights, and tackle the unique challenges of leading SBA lending programs. Don’t miss out—register now to secure your spot! https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-directors-retreat-tickets-198763

SBA Jobs Board

Hiring for your SBA department? We’ve got you covered! SBA Jobs Board is here to bridge the gap between you and top SBA talent. Our Art of SBA Lending audience is packed with experts ready for their next career move. List your openings with us to connect with the best in the industry and find the right fit for your team. Live now on our new Art of SBA Website | https://www.artofsba.com/job-board

Loving The Art of SBA Lending episodes? Make sure to follow along with our sister shows, The BDO Show and SBA Today, each week with the links below!  

https://www.youtube.com/@thebdoshow

https://www.youtube.com/@SBAToday

Head to http://www.artofsba.com for more information and to sign up for our must-read monthly newsletter to stay up to date with The Art of SBA Lending.

Welcome back to The BDO Show! The go-to podcast for BDOs looking to sharpen their skills and stay ahead of the game.

What started out as a “winners and losers” episode focused on the 2023 changes to the 7a loan program, turned into a fiery debate on search fund deals, partial change of ownership transactions and refinance SBA loans with SBA loans. 

In this episode, Emily Detor, Alan Peterson, Chris Hackney, Sterling Birdsong, and Ryan Kroge dive into one of the most heated debates in SBA lending—search fund deals. With recent SOP changes shaking up the industry, the gang unpacks the winners, the losers, and the unintended consequences of these updates.

The conversation kicks off with the partial buy-in asset sale change—does it create better continuity for businesses, or does it open the door for inexperienced buyers to game the system? Debt refinancing also takes center stage, with new flexibility allowing borrowers to consolidate debt more easily. But with MCA debt now eligible for refinancing, the group debates whether this will provide much-needed relief or lead to unintended abuse of the program.

💡 Key Takeaways: ➡️ SBA now allows partial buy-ins as asset sales—a win for some, but does it invite risky lending? ➡️ Refinancing just got easier, making SBA loans more accessible for struggling borrowers. ➡️ Search fund buyers—innovative entrepreneurs or opportunists structuring deals just to qualify? ➡️ MCA debt refinancing—a second chance for business owners or a dangerous loophole?

📢 "Making loans that are risky sometimes is okay—but are we setting ourselves up for trouble?"

This episode is one of the spiciest yet, and we want to hear from YOU! Do you think these SBA changes will help or hurt the lending space? Drop your thoughts in the comments or email us at [email protected].

📺 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

___________________________________________________________

This episode is sponsored by:

SBA Protection

SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan.

For more information, visit their website https://sbaprotection.com/ or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]

ReSquared

Finding and engaging small business owners has never been easier. Resquared is the go-to platform for Business Development Officers looking to connect with local business owners—faster and effectively. They help you find the right prospects effortlessly.

Schedule a demo today at Re2.ai.

The BDO Show is hitting the road. We will be speaking at the Mid America SBA Lending Conference in Houston on April 15th. Go to https://malc-conference.com for more information. This will be a live show you won't want to miss!

What does it take to rise as a leader in the competitive and ever-changing SBA lending space?

In this episode of The Art of SBA Lending, Ray Drew is joined by Molly Harder, Rob Parkin, and Jane Castro—three of the brightest up-and-coming leaders in SBA lending—to explore their journeys, challenges, and visions for the future of the industry.

SBA lending is complex, but it’s also filled with opportunities to grow, innovate, and leave a lasting impact. Today, we’re diving into how these professionals are navigating career bottlenecks, leveraging mentorship, and balancing the demands of leadership while maintaining strong relationships.

Key topics include:

• Overcoming early challenges and finding inspiration in mentorship

• The biggest trends shaping SBA lending, from technology to industry shakeups

• How to foster a collaborative, positive culture in SBA divisions

• Strategies for balancing production goals with strong client relationships

With candid insights and actionable advice from:

Molly Harder, SBA Risk Compliance Manager Rob Parkin, SBA Credit Director at Truliant Jane Castro, SBA Lending Professional

Whether you’re a seasoned BDO or just beginning your career in SBA lending, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on building a legacy of leadership and innovation in the industry.

This episode is sponsored by:

Lumos

Lumos empowers your small business lending growth with cutting-edge analytics and streamlined applications that optimize your performance.

If you're ready to take your small business lending to the next level with cutting edge analytics visit lumosdata.com.

Shatterbox

Learn how Shatterbox can help you hire and invest in bright young talent without breaking the bank. Go to https://shatterbox.io/artofsba and set up a discovery call today.  

SBA Jobs Board

Hiring for your SBA department? We’ve got you covered! SBA Jobs Board is here to bridge the gap between you and top SBA talent. Our Art of SBA Lending audience is packed with experts ready for their next career move. List your openings with us to connect with the best in the industry and find the right fit for your team. Live now on our new Art of SBA Website | https://www.artofsba.com/job-board

BDO’s…let’s start your weeks strong! Sign up for our weekly sales advice series, Sales Ammo. Every Monday morning wake up to a piece of Rays sales advice in your inbox to help you rise to the top. Subscribe here: https://www.artofsba.com/army-of-bdos

Loving The Art of SBA Lending episodes? Make sure to follow along with our sister shows, The BDO Show and SBA Today, each week with the links below!  

@‌thebdoshow

@‌sbatoday  

Head to http://www.artofsba.com for more information and to sign up for our must-read monthly newsletter to stay up to date with The Art of SBA Lending.

🚨 Here’s what’s new for The Art of SBA Lending in 2025! 🚨

1️⃣ The Directors Retreat An exclusive event for SBA 7(a) division heads, happening May 4th & 5th at the Bohemian Hotel in Savannah, GA. Only 10 seats available!

Reserve your spot: https://www.simpletix.com/e/the-directors-retreat-tickets-198763

2️⃣ SBA Jobs Board Our new jobs board is live! For just $99, post your open SBA lending positions and connect with top talent in the SBA community.

Learn more: https://www.artofsba.com/job-board

3️⃣ Podcast Season Update We’re gearing up for a new season of The Art of SBA Lending featuring:

• A two-part episode with emerging SBA leaders
• A behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Annual BDO Retreat

Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!

Got questions or ideas? Reach out to us: 📧 [email protected]

🔔 Subscribe and stay tuned for more updates!

In this episode of The Art of SBA Lending, Ray Drew sits down with Chris Hurn to explore the complexities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and finance. Chris shares the story of winding down his previous company, Fountainhead, navigating the challenges of partnerships, and transitioning to his latest venture—a business bank in West Georgia.

From educating clients about SBA loans to building a team that aligns with company culture, Chris highlights the balancing act between growth, innovation, and risk. He also offers insights into:

• The risks and rewards of entrepreneurship

• Effective marketing strategies for the modern business landscape

• Navigating the competitive world of SBA lending and business acquisitions

Join Ray and Chris for a candid conversation about the evolving business world, and gain valuable takeaways for your own journey.

Be sure to subscribe to keep up with the rest of our Vegas interview series from NAGGL 2024!

This episode is sponsored by:

The Content Store

The Content Store is a video content agency specialized in podcast, YouTube, and short form video editing.

Elevate your brand with premium video content today. Go to www.thecontentstore.com to get in touch.

Rapid Business Plans

Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders.

For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call go to http://www.rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba

SBA Jobs Board

Hiring for your SBA department? We’ve got you covered! SBA Jobs Board is here to bridge the gap between you and top SBA talent. Our Art of SBA Lending audience is packed with experts ready for their next career move. List your openings with us to connect with the best in the industry and find the right fit for your team. Live now on our new Art of SBA Website | https://www.artofsba.com/job-board

BDO’s…let’s start your weeks strong! Sign up for our weekly sales advice series, Sales Ammo. Every Monday morning wake up to a piece of Rays sales advice in your inbox to help you rise to the top. Subscribe here: https://www.artofsba.com/army-of-bdos

Loving The Art of SBA Lending episodes? Make sure to follow along with our sister shows, The BDO Show and SBA Today, each week with the links below!

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBDOShow

http://www.youtube.com/@SBAToday

Head to http://www.artofsba.com   for more information and to sign up for our must-read monthly newsletter to stay up to date with The Art of SBA Lending.

In this episode of The Art of SBA Lending, Ray sits down with Mike Breckheimer at NAGGL 2024 to discuss the ins and outs of starting a lender service provider (LSP) business and navigating the SBA ecosystem.

Mike shares his extensive experience building turnkey solutions for banks, credit unions, and other institutions looking to outsource SBA loan operations. He dives into the intricate balance of compliance, relationship building, and patience required to thrive in this niche industry.

Key Highlights:

• Starting an LSP: Learn the essential steps to establish yourself as a trusted SBA lender service provider, including the necessary regulatory steps with OCRM.

• Sales Strategies for LSPs: Mike explains the long sales cycle when working with banks and credit unions and how patience was the key during the process.

• Navigating SBA Oversight: Discover the role of OCRM in reviewing lender service provider agreements and maintaining oversight in the SBA ecosystem.

• Tech & Innovation in SBA Lending: Explore how emerging technology and data analytics are reshaping the SBA lending landscape.

Whether you're an aspiring LSP entrepreneur or a seasoned professional curious about industry trends, this episode is packed with valuable insights on the current state of SBA lending.

Don’t miss out on our exclusive NAGGL interview series—subscribe now to catch every episode!

This episode is sponsored by:

Lumos Data

Lumos empowers your small business lending growth with cutting-edge analytics and streamlined applications that optimize your performance.

If you're ready to take your small business lending to the next level with cutting edge analytics visit lumosdata.com.

Rapid Business Plans

Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders.

For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call go to http://www.rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba

SBA Jobs Board

Hiring for your SBA department? We’ve got you covered! SBA Jobs Board is here to bridge the gap between you and top SBA talent. Our Art of SBA Lending audience is packed with experts ready for their next career move. List your openings with us to connect with the best in the industry and find the right fit for your team. Live now on our new Art of SBA Website | https://www.artofsba.com/job-board

BDO’s…let’s start your weeks strong! Sign up for our weekly sales advice series, Sales Ammo. Every Monday morning wake up to a piece of Rays sales advice in your inbox to help you rise to the top. Subscribe here: https://www.artofsba.com/army-of-bdos

Loving The Art of SBA Lending episodes? Make sure to follow along with our sister shows, The BDO Show and SBA Today, each week with the links below!

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBDOShow

http://www.youtube.com/@SBAToday

Head to http://www.artofsba.com   for more information and to sign up for our must-read monthly newsletter to stay up to date with The Art of SBA Lending.

In this episode of The Art of SBA Lending Ray is joined by Brent Ciurlino at NAGGL as they unpack Brent’s background in risk management and where he got his reputation as: "the fixer”

Brent held significant roles, including the Director of Asset Marketing at the FDIC and several senior positions within SBA-regulated entities. His current position is with Velocity, an SBLC, where he oversees the company's strategic growth and risk management operations. Known for his innovative contributions to SBA oversight mechanisms, he has been instrumental in developing key regulatory frameworks.

Moreover, Brent explains his contributions to the development of the OCRM's oversight tools like PARIS and SMARt, and his experiences in guiding multiple SBA-licensed entities through times of economic uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Growth in SBA Lending: Understand the dynamics of expanding SBA lending operations sustainably and effectively.

• Navigating Non-Bank Lender Challenges: Explore the pressures and regulatory requirements faced by non-bank lenders in the SBA landscape.

• Advocating for Risk Management: Learn the importance of balanced risk management in preventing institutional failures.

Listen in as Brent and Ray explore the evolving market, the significance of risk management, and insights on navigating SBA's complex regulations.

Be sure to subscribe to keep up with the rest of our Vegas interview series from NAGGL 2024!

This episode is sponsored by:

Baker Lewis

Baker Lewis is the SBA lending industry’s premier executive search and personnel consulting firm. Schedule a call by reaching out to Dustin Baker at 940-230-4321.

Rapid Business Plans

Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders.

For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call go to https://rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba

SBA Jobs Board

Hiring for your SBA department? We’ve got you covered! SBA Jobs Board is here to bridge the gap between you and top SBA talent. Our Art of SBA Lending audience is packed with experts ready for their next career move. List your openings with us to connect with the best in the industry and find the right fit for your team. Live now on our new Art of SBA Website

BDO’s…let’s start your weeks strong! Sign up for our weekly sales advice series, Sales Ammo. Every Monday morning wake up to a piece of Rays sales advice in your inbox to help you rise to the top. Subscribe here: https://www.artofsba.com/army-of-bdos

Loving The Art of SBA Lending episodes? Make sure to follow along with our sister shows, The BDO Show and SBA Today, each week with the links below!

https://www.youtube.com/@thebdoshow

http://www.youtube.com/@sbatoday

Head to http://www.artofsba.com for more information and to sign up for our must-read monthly newsletter to stay up to date with The Art of SBA Lending.

This week on The Art of SBA Lending Podcast we have another special guest joining us for an interview live from the NAGGL conference in Vegas.

Welcome Jackie Bogdan!

We’re getting into all things operations, execution and closing.

Tune in now and subscribe to stay in the loop for more episodes!

This episode is sponsored by:

CORPSMART

CORPSMART is a due diligence group that specializes in lien searching, UCC filing, DMV title recordings and more. If you're looking to streamline your process, the CORPSMART team is the best resource, offering a wide range of services, capability to directly integrate with your in-house systems, and the icing on the cake, their over-the-top customer service, making every deal that much easier to close

To discuss your due diligence needs visit the CORPSMART website at https://corp-smart.com for more information or to set up a get acquainted call, email McKenna Weiks at [email protected] - and let them know that the Art of SBA sent you!

Rapid Business Plans

Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders.

For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call go to http://www.rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba

SBA Jobs Board

Hiring for your SBA department? We’ve got you covered! SBA Jobs Board is here to bridge the gap between you and top SBA talent. Our Art of SBA Lending audience is packed with experts ready for their next career move. List your openings with us to connect with the best in the industry and find the right fit for your team. Live now on our new Art of SBA Website

BDO’s…let’s start your weeks strong! Sign up for our weekly sales advice series, Sales Ammo. Every Monday morning wake up to a piece of Rays sales advice in your inbox to help you rise to the top. Subscribe here: https://www.artofsba.com/army-of-bdos

Loving The Art of SBA Lending episodes? Make sure to follow along with our sister shows, The BDO Show and SBA Today, each week with the links below!

https://www.youtube.com/@thebdoshow  

www.youtube.com/@sbatoday  

Head to http://www.artofsba.com for more information and to sign up for our must-read monthly newsletter to stay up to date with The Art of SBA Lending.