SBA and GSA Crack Down on Midlife Reset Mislabeling as ‘Made in America’ | Small Biz Trends

June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently took decisive action aimed at protecting American manufacturers, significantly benefiting small business owners across the country. Following a directive from President Trump during the White House Small Business Summit, the SBA, in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), announced the removal of nearly two dozen foreign products fraudulently labeled as “Made in America” from the GSA Advantage! procurement platform.

This initiative tackles the crucial issue of misrepresentation in the federal procurement process, where foreign companies have exploited domestic labeling laws to secure contracts meant for American businesses. For small manufacturers, the impact of this crackdown cannot be overstated.

SBA Approves $30 Million in Loans to Boost Grocery Affordability | Small Biz Trends

June 22, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has taken a significant step toward revitalizing the nation’s food supply chain by approving 19 loans totaling over $30 million through its newly enhanced Grocery Guarantee program. This initiative, part of the Trump Administration’s broader strategy to reduce grocery prices, is designed to provide essential capital for small businesses involved in food production, processing, distribution, and sales.

“After years of Biden-era price pressures and burdensome regulation that made it harder for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to grow, the Trump Administration is advancing policies that expand production and help make America more affordable,” stated SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. This strong endorsement highlights the administration’s commitment to empowering small businesses at the core of America’s food economy.

Feds Unite to Tackle Rising Fraud Threats Targeting California Programs| Small Biz Trends

March 18, 2026March 16, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

A significant shift in the enforcement of federal program integrity is underway in California, as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announce a concerted effort to combat fraud in federal programs. SBA Inspector General William W. Kirk and USDA Inspector General John Walk met with United States Attorney for the Southern District of California, Adam Gordon, highlighting a proactive stance against the growing complexities of fraud schemes targeting government initiatives.

California has been flagged as a high-risk zone for fraud due to the intricate nature and scale of operations that exploit federal funding. With this partnership, both agencies plan to coordinate more aggressively on identifying and punishing fraudulent activities, safeguarding taxpayer interests, and the integrity of programs designed to support small businesses.

Lawmakers Demand Answers as SBA’s New Rules Slash Small Business Lending by 46% | Small Biz Trends

January 5, 2026 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

A recent shift in Small Business Administration (SBA) policies has sparked serious concerns among small business owners, particularly those with immigrant ties. According to a letter from Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts) and 18 other Democratic lawmakers, new citizenship verification requirements imposed by the Trump administration could be significantly stifling access to crucial SBA lending programs.

The changes, which rolled out in June, have led to a staggering 46% reduction in small business lending from June to August 2025. This drop comes on the heels of new eligibility criteria that have tightened the accessibility of SBA loans for businesses with even a single non-citizen owner, investor, or key employee. While many small companies depend on these loans to fuel growth and expansion, the recent standards bar those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, certain types of visa holders, and others from obtaining financing—even if the business is primarily owned by U.S. citizens.

SBA Reinstates Lender Fees to Restore Financial Integrity of 7(a) Loan Program | Small Biz Trends

March 31, 2025 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reinstated lender fees for its 7(a) loan program, reversing a Biden-era policy that the agency said contributed to financial instability and undermined the program’s zero-subsidy requirement. The action was announced Thursday as part of a broader effort to address what the SBA described as “gross financial mismanagement” under the previous administration.

“Since its inception, the SBA’s 7(a) loan program has launched millions of small businesses, driving economic growth and job creation. But the Biden Administration’s actions to undermine the financial integrity of the program now threaten to leave taxpayers on the hook,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “To safeguard taxpayer-backed capital and small business formation, the SBA is taking immediate action to reverse these policies, starting with the restoration of lender fees to protect the future of the program.”

Phoenix Lender Services Launches to Revolutionize SBA and USDA Lending | Small Business Trends

January 17, 2025January 16, 2025 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Phoenix Lender Services, a subsidiary of Community Bankshares, Inc., has launched with a mission to transform Small Business Administration (SBA) and United States Department of Agriculture lending across the United States. Based in LaGrange, Georgia, the new lender service provider aims to simplify the lending process for small businesses and financial institutions through a combination of extensive expertise and innovative solutions.

Phoenix Lender Services offers end-to-end support for SBA and USDA loans, including underwriting, closing, servicing, and liquidation. The company also provides secondary market sales and exclusive origination services for Community Bank & Trust (CB&T), its sister company.

SBA Encourages Shoppers to Support Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday with “Gift Big, Shop Local” Campaign | Small Business Trends

November 20, 2024November 19, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the kickoff of its Season of Small Business holiday campaign, beginning with the 15th annual Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024. The event, founded by American Express, encourages consumers to support local small businesses during the holiday season. This year’s theme, “Gift Big, Shop Local,” emphasizes the importance of shopping small and supporting entrepreneurs nationwide.

“Small Business Saturday has become America’s call to action to support the backbone of our economy and heart of our communities – our small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “America’s incredible entrepreneurs create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our communities, shaping the unique character of neighborhoods across America. This year, as we continue to enjoy an unprecedented Small Business Boom, I encourage everyone to Gift Big and Shop Local by supporting local businesses and the millions of hardworking Americans behind them.”

SBA Exhausts Funds for New Disaster Loans, Urges Continued Applications as Agency Awaits Additional Funding | Small Business Trends

October 16, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it has exhausted available funds for its disaster loan program due to the high demand for financial relief following Hurricane Helene.

As a result, the SBA is pausing new loan offers for its low-interest, long-term disaster loans until Congress appropriates additional funding.

However, the SBA is encouraging disaster survivors, including individuals and small businesses, to continue submitting loan applications, with assurances from congressional leaders that more funds will be allocated once Congress reconvenes in November.

SBA Eases Construction Contracting for Small Businesses Amidst COVID-19 Repercussions | Small Biz Trends

August 30, 2023August 28, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has extended the moratorium on the 8(a) Business Development Bona Fide Place of Business (BFPOB) Requirement through September 30, 2024. Announced by Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman during her inaugural day of a multi-city Alaska tour, this decision underscores the SBA’s commitment to empowering small businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduced in 2021 as a swift response to the pandemic and the ensuing trend of remote work, the BFPOB Requirement Moratorium is a part of the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. Initially, it was created to alleviate the pressure on participating businesses from the mandate of maintaining a physical presence to be eligible for any 8(a) construction contract. This means that a participating small business aiming for an 8(a) construction contract can now bypass the need for a BFPOB within any geographic boundary.

SBA Stands Ready to Assist Hawaii Businesses and Residents Affected by the Wildfires | Small Biz Trends

August 16, 2023August 15, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Hawaii businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced.

The declaration covers Maui County as a result of the wildfires that began on Aug. 8.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Hawaii’s small businesses and residents impacted by wildfires,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”