SBA

The Small Business Administration is implementing a freeze on new Community Advantage lenders, citing a surge in problem loans. The program grew during the previous administration as part of a push to expand the access that entrepreneurs who are members of disadvantaged groups have to capital.

The Small Business Administration is backing new legislation that would double the size limit on its manufacturing loans. Supporters say the bill has support on both sides of the aisle in Washington.

First Savings Financial Group could have bailed out of SBA lending after the departures of key executives and loan officers. Instead it retooled the unit, and it's now reaping the benefits.

The Seattle-based company, which had made home loans for more than a century, announced it was quitting the mortgage business in January. It booked nearly 400 small business loans in the first quarter and expects that total to grow as its team gains traction.

The federal Small Business Investment Company program has seen a spike in interest since a new rule incentivizing support for early stage companies took effect in 2023. Now there is growing political support for ways to further bolster the program.

The midyear fee hike was necessary to reverse a revenue shortfall in the agency's 7(a) program, according to Administrator Kelly Loeffler.

The Trump administration's plans for student loans could open the door for banks to grab market share as borrowers seek alternatives.

The Trump administration wants the Small Business Administration to shrink its workforce by 43%. At the same time, the agency is being asked to start managing the federal government's student loan portfolio.

Independence Bank can cease operations once it satisfies the conditions in an FDIC consent order. Liquidation would close out a five-year drama that began when regulators cited the bank for SBA lending irregularities.

Changes are needed to shore up the agency's finances and guarantee the integrity of its flagship 7(a) lending program, according to a leading trade group.