Advocacy

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
- Watch: Reauthorization of the SBA’s Access to Capital Programs
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

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

Driving change in our industry

Robert Villareal

Congressional Small Business Tour Program

Congressman Scott Peters Borrower Tour

Robert Villarreal ensures that legislation and programs are in place to pave the way for small businesses to succeed.

Research

2019 D.C. Trip Recap: How We Can Best Support SBA 504, Community Advantage Programs