America's Recovery Capital - A Program That Can't Cut it

In May the Small Business Administration unveiled a lending program called America's Recovery Capital as part of the federal government's economic stimulus package. Many small business owners approved of the "bridge loans" as they provided a means of making it through the economic recession without laying off as many workers. Washington officials, as well as many lenders, predicted that the banking industry would subscribe quickly, making the necessary capital available for small businesses.

The banking industry, however, appears hesitant at becoming involved with the program. Many banks, including some of the largest in the country, see little incentive in the program due to the nature of the loans. Though the government has provided $255 million and the program is set to give out 10,000 loans of up to $35,000, lenders seem to see little profit motive in a $35,000 loan over six years. In fact, the SBA announced that as of Monday only 1,127 loans had been extended, totaling a mere $36.8 million.

Some experts have suggested the rigorous underwriting standards cause these relatively small loans to require as much work as much larger and more profitable loans. Banks may simply see no reason to deal with the government and the tight restrictions when more profitable ventures are available.

The program should still have small business loans available through September 2010 if it remains on its current pace. Karen G. Mills, the head of the Small Business Administration, has attempted to reassure small business owners that the program will reach its goal of 10,000 loans, but many owners are still unhappy. The small business loans, meant to aid in bridging a recession, may be coming too late to help the businesses, and jobs, they were meant to save.

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