A voice for small business
From meetings with congressional representatives to supporting the passing of the Truth-in-Lending bill to testifying in front of the house and senate small business committees, we are dedicated to being a strong advocate for small business owners and the mission-driven lending industry.
Key issues & accomplishments
Federal
- Access To Affordable and Responsible Capital
- Community Advantage permanence and expanded Target Market
- 504 modernization
- SBA Microloan modernization
- Improving Federal Small Business Programs
- Improving the Community Reinvestment Act to work for neighborhoods
- Fighting for 1071
State
- Support of the State Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
- Increased resources and capital to underserved small businesses
- Transforming the capital deliver strategy to better serve Entrepreneurs of Color
Accomplishments
- 2019: Testify in front of the House Small Business Sub-Committee and the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
- In California, we also supported the passage of the important Truth-In-Lending Bill.
- The Commerical Real Estate and Economic Development Act
- Signer on the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights
- Helped found Advocacy group for SBA Community Advantage lenders
Driving change in our industry
Robert Villareal
OFN, Treasurer, 2020
OFN (Opportunity Finance Network) promotes the interests of all CDFIs; institutions delivering affordable small-business financing to historically disadvantaged groups including women, minorities and low-income individuals.
Congressional Small Business Tour Program
Our unique program connects you with small business constituents in your district. The program can be customized to the congress person’s needs which can include:
A tour with two to three small businesses in your district
Professional photos and video of the tour – perfect to share on social media
Guest blog – we’ll share your story on our blog to help you reach our audience of small business owners and industry partners. See Congressman Scott Peters’ guest feature.
Increase visibility by promoting the blog, photos, and video on our social channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Congressman Scott Peters Borrower Tour
LEADING ADVOCACY + POLICY
Robert Villarreal ensures that legislation and programs are in place to pave the way for small businesses to succeed.
Research
Fueling California’s Economic Growth:
A Study on Latino Small Business and Capital Access
