Rural Small Business Finance Options: SBA and USDA provide insight and answer questions

Join your local SBA, USDA and SBDC representatives to learn about various resources, loans and programs available to Rural Business Owners. Some of these resources include SBA programs such as 8(a), 7(a), Microloan programs in addition to USDA loan programs. The SBA works with lenders to provide loans to small businesses. The agency doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders, community development organizations, and micro-lending institutions. The SBA reduces risk for lenders and makes it easier for them to access capital. That makes it easier for small businesses to get loans. USDA Rural Development operates over fifty financial assistance programs for a variety of rural applications. Select a category that best describes your situation and see what RD can do to assist you. Join this combined effort of liaisons of different government organizations and agencies to assist in ensuring our Small Rural Businesses survive, grow and thrive! To quote USDA, “Together, America Prospers”. Guest presenters include: -Herb Melrath, Maryland SBDC Business Consultant, Washington County -Mike Collins, Lender Relations Specialist & District International Trade Officer U.S. SBA, Baltimore District Office -Bruce Weaver, Program Specialist/State Energy Coordinator Delaware – Maryland State Office, Rural Development United States Department of Agriculture