SBA Today

Art of SBA
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

There's a lot going on in the world of SBA lending these days. We mean, a LOT! So let's have a conversation about it. Join co-anchors Tonya Mazurek and Paul T Long weekly as they break down what's happening in SBA TODAY Brought to you by Art of SBA

  1. 6D AGO

    March 1st Deadline, You're Already Too Late! | Feb. 24, 2026 | SBA Today

    This week on SBA Today, we are covering a massive regulatory shift for Green Card holders, a major SBLC merger, and new mandatory requirements for small loans that lenders cannot ignore. Paul and Tonya discuss: 🤝 SBLC MERGER ALERT: Harvest Small Business Finance, one of the 16 SBLCs, is merging with Crossroads Impact (a CDFI) . We'll be watching closely to see how this affects their lending footprint. 📋 NEW SMALL LOAN RULES: A new Procedures Notice is out with strict reminders for loans under $350,000 : 2 Months of Bank Statements: This is now a REQUIRED "must," not a "should" . Lenders are specifically looking for undisclosed debt versus the Debt Schedule . Repayment Ability: Credit history and a minimum 1.10x DSCR remain the standard for repayment ability. SBA Express: Note that there are no changes to current SBA Express rules. 🛂 THE LPR FINAL COUNTDOWN: If you haven't submitted your LPR applications, you are likely too late . With a 10-day turnaround and thousands in the queue, the March 1st window is closing . 🛠️ SERVICING AFTER MARCH 1ST: What happens to existing LPR loans? Standard actions like deferments are fine, but ownership changes or loan increases will trigger new citizenship requirements . 📈 MARKET PULSE: The Q3 2025 IBBA data shows 2026 is a year of disciplined dealmaking, with multiples hitting up to 4.1x for larger deals . Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to help your colleagues stay ahead of the latest SBLC shifts and small loan mandates! This episode is sponsored by SBA Collective — empowering community banks and credit unions to compete and win in SBA lending. Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer.

    22 min

  2. FEB 18

    New Base Rates & Lending Rebound | Feb. 17, 2026 | SBA Today

    This week on SBA Today, Paul and Tonya are joined by David Parrish, a 20-year SBA veteran and secondary market expert, for a deep dive into the massive regulatory and structural shifts hitting the industry in early 2026. From the strategic move to allow SOFR and Treasury base rates to the candid "insider" truth behind the agency's 53% headcount reduction, this episode is packed with the data and wisdom you need to navigate the current market.  We're breaking down:  The New Rate Revolution: Beginning March 1, 2026, the SBA is unlocking SOFR, 5-year, and 10-year Treasury base rates for variable 7(a) loans. David explains the "math in the sauce" behind secondary market pooling and how these rates provide a critical buffer against future market corrections. The 53% SBA Draw-Down: The 2025 Annual Report revealed a staggering loss of headcount. David provides a first-hand account of the "deferred resignation" and "early retirement" waves and what the loss of tenured wisdom means for the speed of SBA processing.   The Green Card Bombshell: A major procedural change now prohibits Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) from SBA loan eligibility starting March 1st. We discuss the potentially "devastating" impact on major markets like Florida, Texas, and California. FY26 Volume Check: Despite a five-week shutdown at the end of 2025, YTD 7(a) volume has already hit $10.2B. We analyze whether manufacturing initiatives like the MARC program can offset the loss of volume from newly ineligible borrowers.  Chapters: [00:00:00] Intro [00:03:31] The Rate Shift: SOFR, 5-Year, and 10-Year Treasury Options [00:09:48] Secondary Market Liquidity: Pooling the New Base Rates [00:13:08] The Exodus: Inside the 53% Headcount Reduction [00:23:32] YTD Volume: $10.2B and the Rebound from the Shutdown  [00:25:55] The Citizenship Mandate: Impact on LPR Borrowers  [00:31:05] Market Hotspots: The Florida and California Squeeze [00:43:57] Closing: Resiliency in the Small Business Ecosystem  This episode is sponsored by SBA Collective — empowering community banks and credit unions to compete and win in SBA lending.  ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. ⚠️

    46 min

  3. FEB 3

    100% Citizen Ownership + Shutdown Déjà Vu | Feb. 3, 2026 | SBA Today

    This week on SBA Today, Paul and Tonya tackle: 🛂 New Citizenship Mandate—what it means for Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders). 🏛️ Shutdown Status—the Senate passed the stopgap bill, and it's now in the House for a final vote. ⏳ The Shutdown Squeeze—a short shutdown creates a massive backlog that hits closings first. 🏗️ Permitting is a Problem—Period. 💡 The Execution Gap—Capital alone doesn't fix things. This episode is sponsored by SBA Collective — empowering community banks and credit unions to compete and win in SBA lending. Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily those of our employer.

    22 min

  4. JAN 28

    SOP Updates + SBA's 2025 Annual Review | Jan. 27, 2026 | SBA Today

    This week on SBA Today, Paul and Tonya are breaking down: 📑 The 1919 Exit: The SBA is moving toward a fully electronic submission experience, eventually eliminating the physical Form 1919 altogether. 🔍 SOP Updates: SBA is now requiring two months of commercial bank statements for 7(a) Small loans to verify real cash flow. ✅ Agency Slim-Down: In 2025, the SBA reduced its workforce by 54%, closed 19 underutilized offices, and cut agency credit card spending by over half. 🪪 Fraud & Security: SBA is now cross-checking loan applicants with DHS and Treasury databases to hunt down billions in stolen funds. ⏸SBLC Moratorium: The Community Advantage SBLC expansion is on hold after defaults doubled the standard portfolio. 💡 Mark your calendars: The 7(a) Underwriting Call is set for February 11th. This is a must-attend for lenders looking to stay compliant with the new cash-flow focus. 🎧 Catch the full episode for the deep dive into the 2025 Annual Report and what's next for SBA technology. This episode is sponsored by SBA Collective—empowering community banks and credit unions to compete and win in SBA lending. Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer.

    31 min

  5. JAN 21

    New SBSS Guidelines Revealed + The Data Gap | Jan. 20, 2026 | SBA Today

    The SBA just released the Procedural Notice on the new SBSS score guidelines, and the subtext is clear. This week, Paul and Tonya are breaking down: SBSS Sunsetting—Lenders must pivot to internal credit scoring models consistent with their non-SBA guaranteed loans. The "Hidden" Message: Paul explains that the SBA now wants a full analysis on every loan. Shutdown Déjà Vu: With appropriation talks stalling, a government shutdown is looming. Approvals vs. Disbursements: We welcome "Data Nerd" Nick Repertorio to discuss why SBA 7(a) lending isn't evenly distributed and why approval numbers don't always tell the full story of money out the door. 💡 Lender Tip: If your institution has been relying solely on consumer credit scores or the SBSS "Score and Go" method, you have until March to adopt a more robust internal analysis. 🎧 Catch the full episode for a deep dive into the data with Nick Repertorio. This episode is sponsored by SBA Collective — empowering community banks and credit unions to compete and win in SBA lending. Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer.

    21 min

  6. JAN 14

    The Biggest SBA Underwriting Change of 2026 is Here | Jan. 13, 2026 | SBA Today

    The SBA just dropped a massive update for 2026 that will completely change how small-dollar loans are underwritten. Paul and Tonya break down: SBSS Sunset: The Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) will be discontinued on February 28, 2026, for 7(a) Small loans at or below $350,000.  Lender Freedom: Lenders can now use their own existing scoring models to streamline small-dollar lending.  New Inspector General: William "Bill" Kirk has been sworn in as Inspector General, bringing over 30 years of experience to target fraud and restore agency integrity.  Red Tape Hotline: The SBA's new "Deregulation Strike Force" wants to hear from you at 1-800-827-5722 about which regulations need to go.  Market Shift: Pipelines are full, but banks are getting more conservative, putting post-closing liquidity and direct operating experience under a microscope. 💡 Mark your calendars: The next 7(a) Connect call is Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Noon (ET). Don't forget to use the new fee calculator released on January 6th to avoid MARC program errors! 🎧 Catch the full episode for the latest on why your 2026 pipeline might be getting a lot tighter.  This episode is sponsored by SBA Collective — empowering community banks and credit unions to compete and win in SBA lending.  ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer. ⚠️

    20 min

  7. JAN 7

    Minnesota Fraud Crackdown, Franchise Extensions, and the Default Gap | Jan. 6, 2026

    Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2026 with a massive episode of SBA Today. From a federal fraud "freeze" impacting thousands of loans to new data on loan performance, we are diving deep into the news you need to start your year strong. We're breaking down: ❄️ The Minnesota Freeze—Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced that nearly 7,000 SBA loans in Minnesota are being blocked due to a $400 million COVID-era fraud scandal. 📉 Sold vs. Retained Loans 📅 Franchise Deadline Extension 🛠️ The Power of the Support Network—Paul shares why trying to "save money" by doing it yourself can be a disaster. 🏆 2026 SBA Lender Professional Awards—Nominations are now OPEN for the Coleman Report's prestigious annual awards. Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to stay ahead of the curve as we navigate the first big updates of 2026!

    22 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    The Satisfaction Slump: Why Small Business Lending is Falling Short | December 16, 2025 | 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.

    22 min
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About

There's a lot going on in the world of SBA lending these days. We mean, a LOT! So let's have a conversation about it. Join co-anchors Tonya Mazurek and Paul T Long weekly as they break down what's happening in SBA TODAY Brought to you by Art of SBA

Information

  • Creator
    Art of SBA
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    SBA Today