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A recently announced agreement is expected to help returning citizens break a cycle of struggle that’s historically been reinforced by a criminal justice system advocates say is set up to make them fail, said Kyle J. Benson-Smith.

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28 senators wrote the appropriations committee in support of FY 23 appropriations for the SBA Microloan program in the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee

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The Friends of the SBA Microloan Program encourage Members of Congress to request 2023 Appropriations for the SBA Microloan Program including:

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HR 1502, the Microloan Improvement Act of 2021, sponsored by Rep. Kim, was passed by the House last April 15.

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Inna Kinney, founder and CEO of the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), which was named the largest Small Business Administration microlender in the country. Columbus now has two of the top-performing Small Business Administration lenders in the country.

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Friends of SBA Micro Loan Program’s appropriations request.

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It’s Small Business Week and microlending through the Small Business Administration has been a major lifeline to many American small businesses navigating COVID over the last year. Through May 2, 2021, the Microlending community has made 156k PPP loans for $2.76 billion (averaging $16k each). Join us as we highlight some of the Friends of SBA Microlenders who have been…

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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. Major financial institutions will not…

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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, strengthened, or expanded 1,429 businesses…

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Entrepreneur Fund is an SBA Microloan intermediary headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota and an active member of the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program. The organization actively partners with entrepreneurs to stimulate the growth of successful businesses in Aitkin, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, St. Louis, Stearns and Todd Counties in Minnesota…

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On May 21, 2019, the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program is hosting an informational briefing for Members of Congress and their staffs on the SBA Microloan Program. The event will feature presentations from four SBA Microloan intermediaries that provide financial and technical assistance to small businesses owned by low-income, women, minority, and veteran entrepreneurs. Be sure to share this…

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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 access to small-business financing across…

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National Small Business Week kicked off yesterday with an awards event hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The ceremony featured the Jody C. Raskind Award for the 2019 Microlender of Year. This year’s award went to the Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), a longtime member of the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program. CEF was one of the first…

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Washington, DC—July 19, 2018—Last night, the Microloan Program Modernization Act (S. 526) was passed by the Senate. The bill was introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer on March 2, 2017 and cosponsored by a bipartisan group of House members, including Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Scott (R-SC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Gary Peters (D-MI), Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Tammy…

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Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), is a member of the Friends of the SBA Microloan program and located in Georgia. Since its inception in 1999, ACE has lent more than $37 million to 725 small businesses, saving or created more than 6,200 jobs in the state. ACE uses these federal programs and leverages significant private funds to assist underserved…

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Small Business Loans (CDC Loans) is a member of the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program and an active SBA Microloan intermediary. A nonprofit organization, located in San Diego, California, CDC Loans offers low interest financing programs to businesses of all shapes and sizes so they can expand, grow, and create jobs. Throughout their 39 year history, the organization has…

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Written by Ayrianne Parks and Sam Rapoza The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, (WWBIC) is a long time member of the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program, based in Wisconsin. WWBIC helps individuals who face barriers that keep them from getting the funding needed to start or keep their business running. On Sunday, Wendy K. Baumann, WWBIC President and CVO,…

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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 sustainable development. A recent example…

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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 program exclusively targeted to supporting…

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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 Rapoza Associates welcomed attendees and…

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