POLICY
Latest Policy Developments
MLWG member, Robert Villareal with Momentus Capital / CDC Small Business Finance, testified during the upcoming Senate Small Business hearing, titled, 'Improving Access to Capital in Underserved Communities: The Community Advantage Program, Microloans, and other SBA Initiatives' on December 14, 2022. Watch it here!
December 14, 2022
November 17, 2022
Senator Ben Cardin, and Representative Judy Chu, introduced bicameral legislation entitled ‘The Community Advantage Loan Program Permanency Act of 2022,’ which seeks to codify and strengthen the Community Advantage (CA) Loan Guarantee Program! The MLWG commends Senator Cardin and Representative Chu for exemplifying true leadership and commitment to small businesses. Read the MLWG's full statement of support here and the bill sponsors' joint press release here.
November 7, 2022
*Comments are due to the U.S. SBA by December 9, 2022
The U.S. Small Business Administration released a preliminary Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled, 'Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) Moratorium Rescission and Removal of the Requirement for a Loan Authorization,' to lift the 40-year moratorium on Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) licenses. There have only been 14 SBLC licenses since the moratorium was established in 1982. Lifting the moratorium would allow more nondepository institutions to make SBA 7(a) loans. The MLWG intends to submit a formal comment letter to the SBA on this NPRM.
The Mission Lenders Working Group (MLWG) offers the following materials on U.S. SBA Community Advantage (CA) loan guarantee program requirements, COVID-19 resources for lenders, CA-related legislation, and CA advocacy resources. Group members advocate transforming the CA program, which has been operating in a pilot status since 2011, into a fully authorized SBA 7(a) loan guarantee program.
Full program authorization would give existing lenders the assurance they need to continue investing in robust internal systems and staffing. Program status would also encourage new or prospective CA lenders to develop and expand their lending activity and reach more of the businesses that the CA program was created to serve.
Comment Letters & Recommendations
2023
2022
2021
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April: Congratulatory letter for Guzman’s confirmation
2020
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August: Comment Letter Re CA Program Changes
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April: Letter Re PPP Loan Facility and Main Street New Loan Facility
CA Education & Advocacy Materials
The MLWG produced the following fact sheets and advocacy resources for Members of Congress and other policymakers on the CA program’s essential role in the 7(a) ecosystem:
Legislative Resources
Committee Rosters for 117th Congress - The House and Senate Small Business Committees have jurisdiction over SBA programs, including the CA pilot:
CA Legislation Introduced: