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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

📰 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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

• Importance of Consulting SBA Lenders: During four critical business phases—startup, expansion, acquisitions, and rapid growth—seeking advice from SBA lenders can be pivotal.

• Export Loan Guarantees: SBA programs offering 90% guarantees for export loans can significantly lessen the perceived risk for banks.

• Veteran Benefits: New bipartisan legislation is aimed at providing veterans starting businesses in underserved communities with substantial tax credits.

We’ve got:

📰 Get Ready! Small Business Loan losses will be higher that the last 10 years

📖 SBA Lender at a Dental Practice

💡 Sellers are more willing to offer seller financing and Earnouts

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

📰 New Working Capital Program - What We Know

📖 “A dog is a dog is a dog”

💡 The Scoop on the Restaurant Industry

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

We’ve got:

📰 IBusiness Funding purchased Funding Circle, Best and Worst Performing Industries for SBA Lending 

💡Lender Receivables is Going away in ETRAN. 

It’s July 2nd, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

We’ve got:

📰 Diving into the SBA Connect... Reader's Digest Style

💡 Clients may be using your bank for deposits BUT not much else….

It’s July 16th, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

We’ve got:

📰 Top Stories - Restaurant Sales Prices are Up

💡 During Job Interviews, Employers say recent college graduates have…

📖 Tonya's Stories from Abroad

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

Welcome to another episode of SBA Today, with your hosts, Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek.

This week's episode, airing for the week of June 11th, dives into the intricacies of the new SBA working capital program, the implications of the SBA's proposed budget, and the latest on penalties and fees.

Tonya also shares a personal anecdote about learning from different generations that seamlessly ties into broader business insights.

Here are the highlights:

• Prohibition on Direct Lending: The House's proposed FY 2025 budget includes a prohibition on SBA direct lending, highlighting the ongoing debate around SBA's role in direct lending.

• New Working Capital Program: The SBA's new pilot program for working capital offers up to $5 million in credit lines with significant guarantees, aiming to be more appealing for both lenders and borrowers.

• Increased Penalties and Fees: Due to inflation, increased penalties and fees are coming into place for non-compliance, underscoring the need for vigilance and timely reporting by SBA lenders.

• Spike in New Business Applications: April saw a significant surge in new business applications, marking the highest numbers since 2004 and indicating robust entrepreneurial growth.

Your hosts, Paul Long and Tonya Mazuerek, unpack the latest SBA news as of June 4th, 2024.

• New Criminal Justice Rule: The rule, effective May 30th, affects the SBA loan application process, particularly in how it handles applicants with certain criminal backgrounds.

• SBA Form 413 Updates: Changes are coming to the SBA Form 413 to improve accessibility and compliance, impacting both lenders and borrowers.

• SBA's Challenges in Fraud Prevention: Discussion around the SBA's efforts to curb the $200 billion in potentially fraudulent Covid-19 EIDL loans.

• Moral and Ethical Considerations: Tonya and Paul discuss the ethical implications of fraud and the importance of integrity in business practices.

• Role of Key Employees: The definition and implications of 'associates' under the new criminal justice rule,

• The SBA's decision not to sell its EIDL loan portfolio has led to discord with the Small Business Committee.

• Paul Long instigated a discussion on LinkedIn about guarantor percentages for SBA loans, stirring a detailed debate on the ethics and nuances of loan underwriting.

• Change, both in personal life and in business, is a consistent theme recognized by the hosts during the graduation season.

• The significance of thorough due diligence in the lending process and the unique complexities of commercial lending

• Kabbage, a lender for PPP loans, is under legal scrutiny for doling out inflated and fraudulent loans, showcasing the need for stricter fraud control measures.

• The NAACL Conference provided updates on valuable SBA lending procedures, including new e-tran functionalities and the endorsement of DocuSign with specific requirements.

• The SBA is actively investigating the misuse of funds, as reflected in error code 4363, indicating the importance of compliance and due diligence.

• A surge in working capital requests is being used to refinance debt, contrary to program stipulations, emphasizing the role of lenders as gatekeepers to ensure proper fund usage.

• Despite challenges, the PPP initiative has had a transformative effect, helping businesses sustain operations during unprecedented hardships.

📰 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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

This week, we've got:

📰 According to TD Bank, your pipeline is about to get even larger

📖 Tonya's Morning Routine: Anticipation and preparation

💡Digging into the SOP can make you a more confident and knowledgeable lender

It’s May 14th, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

This week, we've got:

📰 Loan access for individuals on probation or parole
📖 Tonya & Team bring home Awards
💡 "You are worthy” - SBA tip of the day

It’s May 7th, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

We’ve got:

📰 Funding Circle SBLC License Drama
📖 Power of Just Showing Up
💡 Answering Your Questions: 10% down on Business acquisitions

It’s April 30, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

We’ve got:

📰 Top Stories - CEO of a top 5 SBA 7(a) lending resigns from his post
📖 the SBA's favorite topic: broker fees!
💡How business acquisitions are financed

It’s April 23, 2024 and this is SBA Today with Paul T Long and Tonya Mazurek.

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

🔔Senators Express Concerns Over SBA Direct Lending, and more

📰 Top Stories | Senators are not ok with Direct Lending
📖 "Lost in Translation" with Tonya
💡 Small-dollar franchise projects need more capital access

It’s April 2, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

🔔 SBA Wants to be a Direct Lender, Shutdown Looming, & More

📰 Today’s top stories 📰

🔸SBA getting into direct lending ⁉️

🔸 Women-owned business: what are the latest stats?

🔸 Stop the madness - another looming shutdown??

It’s March 19, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

🔔 Free Leads & No More Government Shutdowns?

📰 Top Stories

-Lender Match Overhaul
-Hope that we never have to worry about a govt shutdown again!

It’s March 5, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

🔔 Why Deals Don't Close, Mr. Wonderful on Business Developers🔔

Today’s top stories:

🔸Why deals don’t close, #1 will be a shocker!

🔸Mr. Wonderful even says Business owners and developers do this.

🔸There is a BOMB brewing in Capital Hill…

Tune in today at 2pm EST here on LinkedIn as well as our YouTube channel for the scoop.

And the top state for Small Business is…

🥁 drumroll please

Tune in to SBA today to find out!

Also: 34% of business owners are not happy about the economy. Tonya Mazurek and Paul T Long break down some key statistics.

Stay up to date on the latest developments by tuning in to SBA Today. Join Tonya and Paul every Tuesday at 2pm EST on YouTube and right here on LinkedIn.

#SBA #SmallBusiness #sba504 #plp #SBAToday #sba7a

📰 They lowered rates!

💡 Some Small Business Lending Stats, How Paul and I do it at our shops

📖 New Feature on SBA Today: “What would you do?” 

Sources:

NBC News | https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/interest-rate-cut-federal-reserve-decision-how-much-rcna171453

Brett Caines | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-caines-lumos/

Lumos Data | https://lumosdata.com/  

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

🔔 Ban the Box Initiative, business acquisition lending, & more 🔔

We’ve got:

📰 Top Stories - What is this whole #BantheBox movement, and how does it apply to SBA lending?

Also:

👉🏼 How hot is business acquisition lending right now? It may not be what you think. Today we explore the stats courtesy of Lumos Data

It’s February 6, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

🔔5 is greater than 35, Looking at Production 2010 to 2023 & More! 🔔

We’ve got:

📰 5 lenders are doing the production of 35 shops from 2010 to 2023! - Tonya and Paul break down the latest news in the SBA industry

💡 SBA tip of the day

It’s January 30, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

Wait…PPP 2.0 ?! | 01.23.24

👉🏼 update on the ongoing government shutdown situation (another CR??)

Stay up to date on the latest developments by tuning in to SBA Today. Join Tonya and Paul every Tuesday at 2pm EST on YouTube and right here on LinkedIn.

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

🔔 Long Awaited 1919 Form, Dianna Seaborn Retiring!? 🔔

The long awaited 1919 form is finally here. And, Dianna Seaborn is retiring!?

Tonya and Paul break it all down on SBA Today.

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

🔔The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of 2023 SBA Lending

📰 Top Stories - Tonya and Paul break down the latest news in the SBA industry
📖 Paul's Parables - Holiday Time & Small Businesses
💡 "What I wish I knew” - Tips for new Loan Officers

It’s December 19th, 2023 and this is SBA Today.

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

🔔 Unpacking the latest SBA procedural notice

We’ve got:
📰 Top Stories | Tonya and Paul break down the latest news in the SBA industry

📖 Tonya’s Treasures | Army/Navy...Camaraderie amongst rivals

💡 "What I wish I knew” | SBA tip of the day

It’s December 12th, 2023 and this is SBA Today.

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

🔔 SBA Today | December 05, 2023 🔔

We've got:
✅ Story Time with Paul: Property Insurance
✅ Banks, Borrowers, & Life Insurance
& more!

SBA Today with Paul T Long & Tonya Mazurek.

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

🔔 SBA Today | November 28, 2023 🔔

We're discussing:
✅ New SBLC Licenses
✅ No Money Down Business Acquisitions?
& more!

SBA Today with Paul T Long & Tonya Mazurek.

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

🔔 SBA Today | 11/14/23 🔔

We're discussing:
✅ Earnouts vs Seller Rebates
✅ Affiliation
& more!

SBA Today with Paul T Long & Tonya Mazurek.

💭 Post-NAGGL thoughts? Comment below! 👇

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

🔔 SBA Today | 10/31/23 🔔

Happy Halloween, New SOP, & more!

We’ve got:

📰1 Month away from end of SBA year: Live Oak vs Newtek
💡 Has the time to close a business acquisition is going DOWN? We will tell you why.
📖 The Weirdest Place you have met a client

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

Welcome to the first episode of SBA TODAY!

There's a lot going on in the world of SBA lending these days.

We mean, a LOT!

So let's have a conversation about it.

Join co-anchors Tonya Mazurek and Paul T Long weekly as they break down what’s happening in SBA TODAY.

Brought to you by Art of SBA

We’ve got:

📰Small Businesses with EIDL Debt Have Difficulties Getting the Financing They Need

💡SBA to host Third Annual Small business Cyber Summit During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

💬 Open Discussion: How to know if your lender or borrower is lying to you?

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

We’ve got:

📰 Is business better on the West side of the country?

💡 What do buyers look like by each deal size

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

📰 Upcoming Etran Technical Enhancements Started August 22nd…

💡 Extension Of Lender Records Retention Requirements

It’s August 27th, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

We’ve got:

📰Lumos predictions on small business loan losses over the next year..

📰Guzman announces signing of memorandum between SBA OVBD and VA/VBA (OMG the acronyms!)

💡Tonya’s SBA/VA acronym rap song…

It’s August 20th, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

📰 SBA Announces new Round of Applications for Community Advantage SBLC Licenses. We'll also look at industries impacted by high unemployment.

💡Talking Tombstones and which is better: 504 or fixed rate 7a?

It’s August 13, 2024 and this is SBA Today.

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

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

In this engaging episode of SBA Today, host Paul Long delves into the dynamic world of Small Business Administration loans alongside guest Lance Sexton.

Paul and Lance explore significant changes unfolding in the SBA landscape, including the reintroduction of fees, the latest policy updates, and other critical lending developments. Through lively discussion, they shed light on these changes and their implications for lenders.

SBA's decision to reinstate fees marks the end of a period of no-cost loans, a move aimed at ensuring zero subsidy operations and securing bipartisan support for the lending program.

The episode further unpacks the revised environmental policies, highlighting the necessity of updated reports and how they impact the loan process. The conversation navigates through additional regulatory changes, such as updates in form requirements and imminent SOP updates expected in the quarterly 7A connect call.

Also, student loan servicing shifts under SBA, while significant workforce reductions raise concerns about retaining specialized staff. 

Key Takeaways: 

• SBA is reinstating borrower fees to maintain the zero-subsidy status of its loan programs, known as the "reverse price rollback."
• New environmental policies require real estate environmental reports to be no more than a year old, maintaining transactional transparency and safety.
• Form updates, like the 1919, have introduced slight changes that lenders need to be aware of to remain compliant.
• SBA is making a substantial workforce reduction, cutting 2,700 jobs to realign with pre-pandemic levels while shifting more focus to field operations.
• The SBA responsibility now includes student loan servicing, highlighting the expansion and increased complexity of the agency's roles. 

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com

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

In this episode of SBA Today, co-hosts Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek delve into an array of topics ranging from questionable SBA loan disbursements to minors, recently announced SBA initiatives, and the restructuring within the agency.

With a mix of humor and expert analysis, Paul and Tonya discuss an intriguing claim of 312 million in SBA business loans allocated to children under 11, debating possible errors and fraudulent activities that might have led to such outcomes.

The episode also covers significant SBA announcements like the Made in America manufacturing initiative aimed at cutting regulations and addressing barriers in loan programs. The conversation touches upon the reorganization efforts within the SBA, scrutinizing staffing challenges and the importance of resource allocation.

The discussion is peppered with insights into the complexities of SBA's operational dynamics, emphasizing the need for streamlined programs and effective governance.

Paul and Tanya wrap up by reflecting on their recent participation in Bob Coleman's Awards Retreat, expressing gratitude for community networking and discussing the impact of recent layoffs in the SBA's Fresno Servicing Unit.

In this episode:

• SBA Loan Allocation Controversy---Discussion on claims of loans being disbursed to children, exploring potential errors or fraud within the system.
• New SBA Initiatives---Introduction of the Made in America manufacturing initiative and plans to expand the 7A working capital pilot program.
• Regulatory Challenges---Critique of the SBA's efforts to reduce regulatory burdens through new initiatives and hotline services for small business feedback.
• Agency Restructuring---Examination of recent layoffs within the SBA, particularly in the Fresno Servicing Unit, and concerns about staffing optimization. 

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com

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

Join hosts Paul Long and Tonya Mazurek on this insightful episode of "SBA Today" as they are joined by veteran SBA expert Lance Sexton.

Lance taps into his wealth of experience to discuss critical aspects of SBA lending, including nuanced intricacies of SOP requirements, the strategic use of loan appraisals, and the launch of Phoenix Lender Services. With a background in leading SBA departments and possessing an exceptional understanding of the industry, Lance offers precision-driven insights into the evolving landscape of SBA lending.

In this episode, the hosts and Lance dive deep into the complexities of SBA loan documentation requirements, addressing key questions about the use of SBA forms and appraisals in loan processing.

The episode also highlights the challenges faced by lenders in understanding and interpreting the SBA SOP, with Lance advocating for a balanced approach to underwriting. Additionally, the groundbreaking announcement of Phoenix Lender Services promises to transform service offerings to SBA lenders across the country, as Lance speaks on the formation of an experienced team dedicated to improving the SBA lending process.

• Lance Sexton has announced the launch of Phoenix Lender Services, offering comprehensive SBA lender services.

• SBA lending requires careful interpretation of SOPs, which are often less clear and concise than desired.

• Using the SBA 1919 Form is recommended on small loans, despite the possibility of using other forms.

• Junior mortgages on residential real estate are usually beneficial for commitment rather than for recovery purposes.

• The new SBA administration may bring changes to current SOPs, especially sections labeled with "do what you do."

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com 

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 plong@gesa.com

Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee contact: Tonya Mazurek at Midwest Regional Bank tmazurek@mwregionalbank.com