U.S. Small Business Administration Resources

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The 504 Certified Development Company (CDC) Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. A Certified Development Company is a nonprofit corporation set up to contribute to the economic development of its community or region. CDCs work with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses. There are about 290 CDCs nationwide. Each CDC covers a specific area.
In Georgia:
Atlanta, GA -
Business Growth Corporation of Georgia
Atlanta, GA -
Economic Development Corp. of Fulton County
Atlanta, GA -
Georgia Certified Development Corporation
Augusta, GA -
CSRA Local Development Corporation
Brunswick, GA -
Coastal Area District Development Authority
Dalton, GA -
North Georgia Certified Development Corp
Gainesville, GA -
Georgia Mountains Refional Economic Development Corp
Macon, GA -
Development Corporation of Middle Georgia
Valdosta, GA -
South Georgia Area Development Corp

Micro-Loan Program

The Micro-Loan Program was developed to increase the availability of very small loans to prospective small business borrowers. Under this program, the SBA makes funds available to nonprofit intermediaries, who in turn make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts that range from under $100 to a maximum of $25,000. The average loan size is $10,000. Completed applications can usually be processed by the intermediary in a particular geographic location.
In Georgia:
Atlanta, GA -
Enterprise Funding Corp
Oak Ridge, GA -
Southeast Community Capital
Savannah, GA -
Small Business Assistance Corporation

7(a) Loan Guaranty Program

The 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program is one of the SBA's primary lending programs. it provides loans to small businesses unable to secure financing on reasonable terms through normal lending channels. The program operates through private-sector lenders that provide loans that are, in turn, guaranteed by the SBA - the Agency has no funds for direct lending or grants.

Other Types of Loans

SBA CAPLines Loan Program
Short term loans and revolving lines of credit designed to support small business short-term and cyclical working capital needs. There are five types of CAPLine Programs including the Seasonal Line, Contract Line, Builders Line, Standard Asset-Based Line, and Small Asset-Based Line.

Visit SBA Loan FAQs to learn how an SBA Loan Program works and where to apply.

SBA grant programs generally support nonprofit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments in an effort to expand and enhance small business technical and financial assistance. The SBA does not offer grants to start of expand small businesses.

The Business Start-Up Kit offers information on entrepreneurial characteristics, getting started, sources and components of financing, regulations, local SBA resources, definitions of business terms, freqently asked questions.

Start-up FAQs

Learn the basics for starting a new business with Frequently Asked Questions

Teens & Entrepreneurship

Explore, Decide, Build, Connect and Succeed in business by discovering and using online resources including a student activities guide, a volunteer guide, and an assessment tool.
Visit www.mindyourownbiz.org.

"The SBA offers financing, training, and advocacy for small firms with offices in every state, including the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the SBA works with thousands of lending, educational and training institutions nationwide. If your business is independently owned and operated, not dominant within its field, and falls within size standards, the SBA can be a useful resource."

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Note: This information is presented to provide a general overview of small business options and related services. It is not intended to be an exhaustive representation. Data has been compiled by the Knowledge Institute for informational purposes only. Content is provided on an "as is" basis and is not intended to, nor does it, provide advice or create a customer relationship between the Knowledge Institute, BUZGate™ and/or any other organization named herein, and any reader.