Permanent Small Business Loans: Supporting Underserved and Rural Communities.
This Act permanently establishes the Community Advantage Loan Program, significantly boosting access to financing for small businesses, particularly those in rural and underserved markets. It also introduces stricter oversight for Small Business Lending Companies (SBLCs), including mandatory annual stress tests and capital requirements, ensuring greater stability and integrity in federal loan programs. This provides small businesses with more reliable access to capital for growth.
Key points
Permanent Loan Access: Small businesses in rural and low-to-moderate-income areas gain stable access to guaranteed loans up to $350,000 (or $750,000 for experienced lenders).
Increased Oversight: Mandatory annual stress tests and compliance audits (e.g., Bank Secrecy Act/AML) are introduced for Small Business Lending Companies (SBLCs).
Focus on Underserved Markets: Lenders must ensure that at least 60% of their loans under this program go to businesses in designated underserved markets.
Clearer Lending Rules: Standardized underwriting criteria are set, especially for loans under $350,000, simplifying the application process for smaller financing needs.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2482
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Process start date: 2023-07-25