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SBA Launches Online Tool to Match Small Business Borrowers with SBA Lenders

Feb 2015

Access to credit continues to bedevil entrepreneurs seeking to get their small business off the ground or take the next big step in their expansion plan.Across the country, thousands of small business owners pound the pavement every day looking for term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing and commercial real estate loans to help them hire and grow.

But too often, they're wasting time they don't have cold-calling and door-knocking their way to a lucky break. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is addressing this problem with its recent launch of LINC (Leveraging Information & Networks to Access Capital) - an online “matchmaking” referral tool.

LINC connects prospective small business borrowers with the SBA's 504 Loan Program via Certified Development Companies such as Florida First Capital, the Community Advantage Program and Microloan Program based on borrowers' eligibility and needs.

LINC is designed to provide borrowers with a hassle-free, no cost way to pre-screen their eligibility and to then connect with local SBA lenders whose available services match borrowers' needs.

Borrowers fill out a simple online form that takes minutes to complete and contains the information that matters most for lenders. Once completed, the form is blasted out to participating SBA lenders in an applicant's county. Once lenders have reviewed the information, they'll respond if they're interested - usually within 48 hours.

While a positive "hit" doesn't ensure entrepreneurs will receive a loan, it will put them on a fast track, because they will have been pre-screened. If LINC doesn't produce an immediate match, entrepreneurs will be directed to their local Small Business Development Center for free business consulting and assistance with their loan application.

Florida First Capital is pleased to participate in the LINC program and applauds the SBA for the hard work it has put into developing this platform and helping to connect small business borrowers with much needed access to capital.

To access LINC, visit www.sba.gov/tools/linc.

For more information about SBA 504 loans in Florida,contact a Florida First Capital Loan Officer hereor email us atinfo@ffcfc.com. Phone: 850.681.3601 or toll-free at 888.320.5504.