CDCs work with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses. There are about 290 CDCs nationwide. Each CDC covers a specific area. Certified Lenders Program List Certified lenders are those who have been heavily involved in regular SBA loan-guaranty processing and have met certain other criteria. Certified lenders account for nearly a third of all SBA business loan guaranties.
Approval focuses on character, credit and experience.
The MicroLoan Program was developed to increase the availability of very small loans to prospective small business borrowers. Completed applications can usually be processed by the intermediary in less than one week. The SBA Prequalification Loan Program provides substantive support and assistance in the small business loan application process to those segments of the small business community that may traditionally have been underserved by the lending community. The Prequalification Loan Program is available to prospective small businesses that are 51 percent or more owned by veterans, women, minorities, exporters, certain rural markets, and certain geographical areas and industries.