The SSBCI 2.0 loan programs are available to owner-occupied small businesses with 500 employees or less and will target support for small business enterprises owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI) businesses and very small businesses with less than 10 employees.
Loans must be to owner-occupied small businesses. SSBCI may not support loans to investors for passive real estate investments. SSBCI does not offer grants.
Small businesses must be reasonably creditworthy to receive lending assistance. The UGA Small Business Development Center offers free technical assistance and can help you with a business plan, financial pro forma, and gathering documents necessary to receive SSBCI assistance. A free credit repair program is available through the SBDC if you have issues with low or poor personal credit.
Small business owners may apply with an approved lender to utilize the SSBCI 2.0 programs offered. The lender will underwrite the loan according to their own underwriting guidelines and will set the rate and terms in accordance with SSBCI 2.0 guidelines. The lender will determine the program they wish to utilize for the small business loan.
Please contact the SSBCI Program Manager at ssbci_manager@dca.ga.gov for assistance in locating a lender near you.
