ABOUT US
The Mission Lenders Working Group (MLWG) is a coalition of SBA authorized and regulated Community Advantage (CA) lenders that include SBA Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA Microloan Intermediaries and U.S. Treasury authorized-Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) committed to responsibly financing and supporting hardworking small businesses that drive local economies and create jobs.
By authorizing and regulating trusted, community-based, mission-driven lenders to participate in the SBA 7(a) program, the CA initiative helps bridge the gap between banks and small business owners who are building strong, job-creating enterprises. The CA non-bank lenders provide not only responsible, performance-based loans, but also offer management guidance and technical assistance tailored to the specific needs of entrepreneurs working to grow their businesses and become bankable.
Active members participate in monthly calls with Community Advantage lenders to provide peer support, engage with SBA program staff, and share feedback on CA program issues and updates. If you are interested in becoming a member you can contact the Feighan Team at hannah@missionlenders.net.
SBA CA LENDER REQUIREMENTS
To be certified by SBA as a CA lender, an entity must be an SBA Certified Development Company (CDCs), a SBA Microlender, an SBA Intermediary Lender, or a Treasury-Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI).
Once authorized by the SBA, at least 60% of a CA lender’s loans must be issued to businesses in an underserved market defined as:
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Veteran-owned businesses,
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New businesses/startups,
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low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities,
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Empowerment Zones or Enterprise Communities,
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Opportunity Zones,
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HUBZones,
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Rural areas
Learn more about the history of SBA CA Program here.
