Policy

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 began operating as a pilot program in 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

November: Comment Letter Re: SBA's Proposed Rule on Criminal Justice Reviews for the SBA Business Loan Programs and Surety Bond
Guaranty Program

January: Comment Letter Re: SBA's Proposed Rule, 'Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) Moratorium Rescission and Removal of the Requirement for a Loan Authorization'

2022

May: Comment Letter Re: CA Program Changes FRN:2022-09162

March: Follow-Up Recommendations for SBA Community Advantage

2021

November: SBA FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan Comment Letter

February: Letter Urging Expedient Floor Vote for Guzman Confirmation

2020

June: Letter with CA Recommendations

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: