News & Info

1. SBA Guaranteed Loans

Grant$eachers™ assists for-profit businesses with preparing business plans for the small business loan. We also help you put together a professional presentation to present to your lender and SBA Loan Officer. First impressions could make or break your credibility. Let us help you do it right the first time.

Banks and other lending institutions offer a number of SBA guaranteed loan programs to assist small businesses. While SBA itself does not make loans, it does guarantee loans made to small businesses by private and other institutions.

Below is an overview of SBA's guaranteed loan programs:

7(a) Loan Program:
This is SBA’s primary and most flexible loan program, with financing guaranteed for a variety of general business purposes. It is designed for start-up and existing small businesses, and is delivered through commercial lending institutions.

The major types of 7(a) loans are:

  • Express Programs
  • Export Loan Programs
  • Rural Lender Advantage Program
  • Special Purpose Loans Program
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CDC/504 Loan Program:

This program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing to acquire fixed assets (such as real estate or equipment) for expansion or modernization. It is designed for small businesses requiring “brick and mortar” financing, and is delivered by CDCs (Certified Development Companies)—private, non-profit corporations set up to contribute to the economic development of their communities.

Microloan Program:

This program provides small (up to $35,000) short-term loans for working capital or the purchase of inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and/or equipment. It is designed for small businesses and not-for-profit child-care centers needing small-scale financing and technical assistance for start-up or expansion, and is delivered through specially designated intermediary lenders (nonprofit organizations with experience in lending and technical assistance).

This program provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and most private non-profit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.

2. Annual Fund Development Campaign

Grant$earchers™can develop a strategy for Annual Fund Development Campaigns, but before launching an annual fund program, the institution must be ready to receive, record, and acknowledge gifts. It must be able to identify gifts by source and program, and evaluate whether goals were achieved within the time framework and approved budget.

This evaluation will enable the committee to determine what changes will be necessary in planning next year’s annual fund campaign. There must be enough staff to operate the annual fund program effectively. Outside resources such as consultants may be used to supplement full-time staff, but they cannot replace personnel who manage the day-to-day operations of an annual fund.

The plan should be a usable and flexible document which is evaluated regularly and modified as needed. The fundraising team should refer to and adhere to the plan and be involved in major changes.

Budget monitoring and controls are necessary in order to monitor expenses and revenues. Accountability measure should be in place for stewardship of funds entrusted to the organization. Fundraising costs should be tracked by subprograms of the annual fund (e.g. direct mail for donor acquisition, major gift solicitation, etc.)

A timeline should be in place that indicates the key solicitation activities and personnel responsible. Appropriate case expression should be prepared for use with various donor groups. Weekly and monthly reports should evaluate progress of the plan and spefific results, and should be distrusted to key individuals.

Evaluation should include volunteer feedback, and should be used in determining the next year’s goals and plans.

Grant$earchers can help you develop a strategy and implement an Annual Fund Development Campaign contact us today.

3. Board Development & Governance

Grant$earchers™ develops Board of Director handbooks. We assist nonprofit corporations with implementing Board Member policies and procedures within this handbook. The handbook includes but is not limited to conflict of interests, communication during crisis, attendance and dismissal, emergency and planned executive transition, committees, advocacy and lobbying, orientation, training and evaluation, audit process, and auditor selection.

Grant$earchers™ develops Board job descriptions and specific trainings. Is your Board a fundraising board? If not, we can help you change the environment of your Board to embrace their fundraising responsibilities.

Does your Board have insurance? A planned gift acceptance plan? These are important issues that Grant$earchers™ can help you address. Contact us for more information.