SBA Today

This week on SBA Today, Paul and Tonya explore the "SBA Dark Web" for a look at the Federal Register before diving into shocking new data on lender satisfaction . From shifting form requirements to a massive satisfaction crash for online lenders, we're looking at what small businesses really want—and where the industry is missing the mark . We're breaking down: 🔍 SBA Dark Web & Form Gutting: Paul dives into the Federal Register, where the SBA is looking to retire redundant forms like the 912 and potentially revamp the 1919 to reduce paperwork . 🤝 Relationship vs. Speed: New data from Lumos shows a massive gap in borrower priorities . While small banks dominate on relational strength (67%), online lenders hold the edge on operational speed (55%) . 📉 The Satisfaction Crash: Lender satisfaction has declined across the board since 2019 . Small banks dropped from 74% to 62%, but online lenders saw a staggering collapse, plummeting from 38% to just 2% . 🎀 The Finish Line: Tonya shares a heartwarming story from a client's ribbon cutting in Castle Rock, Colorado, attended by SBA Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs, reminding us why we fight through the red tape . 💡 The Closing Cure: We discuss how the closing process can make or break a borrower's experience . Paul explains why cross-training your team (underwriters learning processing and vice versa) is the key to a better customer journey . Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer.

It's turkey week, but the news never sleeps! This week on SBA Today, Paul and Tonya breaking down: ☎️ SBA Connect Call Recap: The call covered the MARC Loan and various notices. 📈 Working Capital Chart: The SBA released a "VERY helpful" chart detailing the options for 7(a) Working Capital Product Options, including MARC Revolving, SBA Express, Seasonal CAPLine, and more. 🗓️ New Connect Calls: Save the dates! The SBA released the 2026 schedule for 7(a) and 504 Quarterly Connect calls with an updated focus. 💔 Hiring Miscommunication: This left employees confused and frustrated after having rearranged personal plans. Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to stay updated on the latest SBA news! ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. ⚠️

This week on SBA Today, the mood is lighter because the government is BACK OPEN! Paul and Tonya discuss: 🎉The government lights are back on—a Connect Call is scheduled soon, so stay tuned for updates. 💔 MARC Program Update—what's going on? 🏨 SBLC SOLD—why another non-bank entity moving up the rankings should matter to lenders, especially one focused on hotel owners. 📈 BizBuySell Q3 Report Insights—Buyer Urgency & Economic Headwinds! ❌ The 'Investment' Lie—we deliver a reality check Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to help your colleagues get the latest on the re-opening and the market! ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. ⚠️

This week on SBA Today, we dissect the sudden closure and portfolio sale of a Top 20 SBA lender, BayFirst Financial, and their aggressive small-dollar loan program (BOLT). This autopsy holds vital lessons for every lender about risk, pricing, and the current state of credit quality. Why this matters to YOU: 🚨 Industry Shockwave: The abrupt shutdown of a large institution's 7(a) department and a subsequent $5.1 million loss on the portfolio sale signals immediate financial pain from exiting the business. 📉 Macro Warning Signs: The secondary market has been volatile, pricing pressure is down, and credit quality is deteriorating. Your own institution is making internal decisions based on these factors. 💸 The BOLT Program Mistake: BayFirst's aggressive BOLT program focused on smaller 7(a) loans (up to $150,000). The CEO cited stress in older, low-interest rate vintage BOLT loans. You must price for risk! 🔎 Risk Dissection: We examine potential risk multipliers: Higher Risk Loans: Small dollar loans are inherently higher risk due to the nature and financial sophistication of the borrowers. Broker Fees: This bank was known for paying high 2% broker fees , compounding the acquisition cost when defaults rose. Policy: Was the program influenced by the former "Score & Go" process or affected by the collapse of the previous "Do What You Do" collateral standard? ✅ The Takeaway: The market demands a return to disciplined underwriting and a focus on fundamentals. We all want to help small businesses, but we must be prudent to stay in business.

This week on SBA Today, we are joined by special guest Stephanie Dunn for an upbeat conversation about the true heartbeat of our industry: Connection. But first, Paul gets heated about the ongoing government shutdown. We're breaking down: 😡 INSANE! Paul lets loose, calling the continuing shutdown "Cray Cray, Ridiculous, Wild, Bizarre, Unreasonable, INSANE." Tonya adds that nobody wins this standoff—we all lose. 🤝 The Power of Connection: The overwhelming takeaway from NAGGL was the power of connection. We discuss why connection matters as much as knowledge in this business. 🚀 Giving People Wings: With Stephanie Dunn, we discuss the importance of supportive leadership and how empowering others to grow doesn't create risk, it creates strength. Fear vs. Trust: What happens when teams or banks operate from fear or scarcity instead of connection and trust? We explore the difference between competing and collaborating. Keep the Spirit Alive: We share simple ways to keep the NAGGL spirit of connection going, even when you're back at your desk. Final Farewell: Don't miss THE FINAL EPISODES OF The Art of SBA Lending! This episode is sponsored by: Res/Title Res/Title, your "One Stop Shop for SBA closings". We're your commercial title and closing company that provides you with the tools and technology to give you an instant quote and Al property reports on any deal in the nation. Whether it's for $35,000 or $35 Mil, we handle closings anywhere in the nation with one point of contact. Get started today! www.res-title.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. ⚠️