WASHINGTON– Today, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration Maria Contreras-Sweet announced a major expansion to the recently launched online tool LINC –Leveraging Information and Networks to Access Capital - a platform that matches entrepreneurs with SBA lenders. Administrator Contreras-Sweet made the announcement during her keynote speech at the National Government Guaranteed Lenders annual conference in San Antonio, Texas, while on her nationwide tour for National Small Business Week, May 4-8.
“Effective today, all SBA lenders can participate in LINC, a platform that is inging entrepreneurs and SBA lenders together to increase access to capital. There's a hunger among entrepreneurs to find financing to get their business off the ground or take the next big step in their expansion plan. The SBA stands there ready to help them, now with a few simple clicks,” said Contreras-Sweet.
LINC was originally launched last Fe uary as a pilot program and was available only to nonprofit lenders. The LINC matchmaking tool is now available to all 7(a) lenders nationwide, which constitutes a huge step toward giving small business entrepreneurs access to essential sources of capital in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
“Since we launched this program in Fe uary, close to 14,000 matches have been made, and I have personally heard about the great success both our lenders and our entrepreneurs are having with LINC. If you have a bankable business idea backed by good credit and sound financial planning, the SBA is streamlining the process for you to get the capital you need,” said Contreras-Sweet.
Lenders may sign up for LINC electronically or email LINC@sba.gov with questions.
Each year since 1963, the president of the United States has issued a proclamation calling for the cele ation of National Small Business Week. This year, National Small Business Week will be recognized from May 4-8 with national events planned in Miami/Boca Raton, Los Angeles, San Antonio, New York and Washington, D.C.
Events throughout the week will be live-streamed on SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/nsbw. Make sure to check in during the event for live social media engagement, using the hashtag #DreamSmallBiz. For more information on the national events please visit: www.sba.gov/nsbw.
