I happened upon a couple of videos after reading “The Long Tail” and researching some of the concepts in the book…these are two of the most interesting I thought I would share:

The following was sent to SBA lenders today:

SBA Information Notice

Additional Funding Available and Extension of Authority for 7(a) and 504 Recovery Act Loans

The attached notice, 5000-1143, provides SBA an additional $60 million of funding to extend the 90% guaranty and fee relief as part of the  American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

Please note: Lenders with loans entered in SBA’s Recovery Loan Queue prior to March 2 will receive the fee relief, but will not receive the higher guaranty percentage unless they act by March 9.  Please see notice for details.

New applications from March 2 on are eligible for both the higher guaranty and fee relief. 

The attached notice, 5000-1143, provides SBA an additional $60 million of funding to extend the 90% guaranty and fee relief as part of the  American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

Please note: Lenders with loans entered in SBA’s Recovery Loan Queue prior to March 2 will receive the fee relief, but will not receive the higher guaranty percentage unless they act by March 9.  Please see notice for details.

New applications from March 2 on are eligible for both the higher guaranty and fee relief.

Attached was an internal SBA memo for policy on current and new loans.

In my experience the ARRA has opened credit to small businesses considerably in my area.  In fact when notice was sent out that it would be ending last month loan referrals from banks slowed by about half.

My advice – Apply for financing now before this allocation is spent.

Donovan

Last week my little boy turned 10 years old and it dawned on me that in 5-6 years he will be driving, in 8-9 heading off to college (if he so chooses) and a few years after that maybe having children of his own.

Now, I know that is not any different than what every parent goes through (including the realization that 40 is just around the corner) and, I imagine that it will just be another day when my middle son and youngest daughter hit double digits.

But, as this time of year rolls around I am reminded by my older and wiser sister that the March of Dimes – March for Babies is just around the corner and I come to another realization.  Birthdays are not the same for every parent.  For some it is the reminder that the birth of every child is a miracle.  My sister’s first baby Isaiah was born at 25 weeks weighing just 1 lb 5 oz and fought for 111 days in the Meritcare NICU to stay alive.  Today he is a healthy young boy full of life and spirit.

Click the image above to make a donation to March of Dimes.