The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent Agency of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. It is charged with the responsibility of providing four primary areas of assistance to American Small Business. These are: Advocacy, Management, Procurement, and Financial Assistance. Financial Assistance is delivered primarily through SBA’s Investment programs, Business Loan Programs, Disaster Loan Programs, and Bonding for Contractors.

SBA Business Loan Programs

SBA administers three separate, but equally important business loan programs. SBA sets the guidelines for the loans while SBA’s partners (Lenders, Community Development Organizations, and Microlending Institutions) make the loans to small businesses. SBA backs those loans with a guaranty that will eliminate some of the risk to the lending partners. The Agency’s Loan guaranty requirements and practices can change however as the Government alters its fiscal policy and priorities to meet current economic conditions. Therefore, past policy cannot always be relied upon when seeking assistance in today’s market.

Federal appropriations are available to the SBA to provide guarantees on loans structured under the Agency’s requirements. With a loan guaranty, the actual funds are provided by independent lenders who receive the full faith and credit backing of the Federal Government on a portion of the loan they make to small business.

The loan guaranty which SBA provides transfers the risk of borrower non-payment, up to the amount of the guaranty, from the lender to SBA. Therefore, when a business applies for an SBA Loan, they are actually applying for a commercial loan, structured according to SBA requirements, which receives an SBA guaranty.

In a variation of this concept, community development organizations can get the Government’s full backing on their loan to finance a portion of the overall financing needs of an applicant small business.

The SBA offers numerous loan programs to assist small businesses. It is important to note, however, that the SBA is primarily a guarantor of loans made by private and other institutions.

PROGRAM: Basic 7(a) Loan Guaranty

FUNCTION: Serves as the SBA’s primary business loan program to help qualified small businesses obtain financing when they might not be eligible for business loans through normal lending channels. It is also the agency’s most flexible business loan program, since financing under this program can be guaranteed for a variety of general business purposes.

Loan proceeds can be used for most sound business purposes including working capital, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, land and building (including purchase, renovation and new construction), leasehold improvements, and debt refinancing (under special conditions). Loan maturity is up to 10 years for working capital and generally up to 25 years for fixed assets.

CUSTOMER: Start-up and existing small businesses, commercial lending institutions

DELIVERED THROUGH: Commercial lending institutions

www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/7a.html

SBA offers multiple variations of the basic 7(a) loan program to accommodate targeted needs.

PROGRAM: Certified Development Company (CDC), a 504 Loan Program

FUNCTION: Provides long-term, fixed-rate financing to small businesses to acquire real estate or machinery or equipment for expansion or modernization. Typically a 504 project includes a loan secured from a private-sector lender with a senior lien, a loan secured from a CDC (funded by a 100 percent SBA-guaranteed debenture) with a junior lien covering up to 40 percent of the total cost, and a contribution of at least 10 percent equity from the borrower. The maximum SBA debenture generally is $1 million (and up to $1.3 million in some cases).

CUSTOMER: Small businesses requiring “brick and mortar” financing

DELIVERED THROUGH: Certified development companies (private, nonprofit corporations set up to contribute to the economic development of their communities or regions)

www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/cdc504.html

PROGRAM: Microloan, a 7(m) Loan Program

FUNCTION: Provides short-term loans of up to $35,000 to small businesses and not-for-profit child-care centers for working capital or the purchase of inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and/or equipment. Proceeds cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate. The SBA makes or guarantees a loan to an intermediary, who in turn, makes the microloan to the applicant. These organizations also provide management and technical assistance. The loans are not guaranteed by the SBA. The microloan program is available in selected locations in most states.

CUSTOMER: Small businesses and not-for-profit child-care centers needing small-scale financing and technical assistance for start-up or expansion

DELIVERED THROUGH: Specially designated intermediary lenders (nonprofit organizations with experience in lending and in technical assistance)

www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/microloans.html

PROGRAM: Loan Prequalification

FUNCTION: Allows business applicants to have their loan applications for $250,000 or less analyzed and potentially sanctioned by the SBA before they are taken to lenders for consideration. The program focuses on the applicant’s character, credit, experience and reliability rather than assets. An SBA-designated intermediary works with the business owner to review and strengthen the loan application. The review is based on key financial ratios, credit and business history, and the loan-request terms. The program is administered by the SBA’s Office of Field Operations and SBA district offices.

CUSTOMER: Designated small businesses

DELIVERED THROUGH: Nonprofit intermediaries such as small business development centers and certified development companies operating in specific geographic areas.

www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/prequalification.html

HOW TO GET AN SBA LOAN

One of the most important sources for small business financing is the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA provides short- and long-term loans to eligible, credit-worthy start-ups and existing small businesses that cannot obtain financing on reasonable terms through normal lending channels.

Note, however, that the SBA does not provide direct loans. Rather, the agency provides guarantees to loans available through the SBA’s partner lending institutions, which include many community banks.

The SBA provides loan programs for most business purchases, including purchasing real estate, machineries and equipment, inventory, and working capital.

To be eligible for an SBA loan, the borrower must meet 3 criteria:

1. A strong business plan. Like banks and other financial institutions, the SBA requires the submission of a business plan to see that the entrepreneur possesses a clear understanding of the business they’re in, have taken steps to research the market, and studied the prospects of the business. The SBA wants to see detailed plans on how the business can make money and repay the loan.
2. A good personal credit rating. Credit history serves as a person’s gauge for credit worthiness. The borrower’s track record in paying their bills will is an important component in the loan application process. The SBA partner banks, which provide the money, conduct a credit examination of the borrower then submits the results to the SBA.
3. The borrower must have a stake in the business. The SBA wants to see those applying for credit to have a personal investment in their business. In the SBA’s view, business owners who have put their own money into the venture are much more likely to push hard for the success of their business. The SBA will require the borrower to contribute at least 25% of the loan amount from his or her personal liquid assets.

SBA Funding in tandem with personal cash from your pension plan:

Now you can get this 25% portion from your 401(k) or IRA account, in cash, without paying any taxes or penalties, by transferring these qualified funds into a PENSION TRANSFER TRUST.

To see if your new business will be eligible for an SBA loan, or to learn more about the pension transfer procedure, please inquire by calling (415) 701-0055 Source

Last year, the best vacation ever was my trip to Florence and Rome. Florence because it was the most romantic city I’ve been in a long time. The people were very friendly and the place was just phenomenal. Rome on the other hand was excellent as well because you never get to see a place so old yet filled with life! You get to walk the actual places where emperors roamed during their days. It was both beautiful and very romantic.

However, I have never been to St. Thomas. I wanted to go to the islands and spend a week full of sand and sun. I only got to go to the beach once this summer. I barely had time to take off because work was completely bogged down with projects and project deadlines.

I want to go away and forget about everything. I heard about luxury St Thomas Condos which is a waterfront villa located in Caret Bay called Villa Nicoletta. I need it this time and I don’t care how much it cost. I think staying in a condo on vacation is the best way to go. Get a couple of people to go and you’re all set! You can shop for your own food and cook (which saves money if you’re on a budget), or just forget about it and eat out after staying out in the sun or by the pool.

I have my budget but this is a vacation. My allowance should be enough to experience the sun and surf of St. Thomas US Virgin Islands. As a matter of fact, maybe I should book myself now for the winter? Not a bad idea!

This is a sponsored post.

Do you enjoy gambling for fun? Playing for fun is good and I would say that I do enjoy it too. Always keep in mind that setting a limit for yourself would definitely help you enjoy the game without losing your shirt. If your limit to play is twenty dollars - keep it. Win or Lose, twenty dollars is the cost you had to enjoy the game.

Now, how do you find out what online game out there is to play? Have you tried Online Casinos and Casino Gambling? What if you can dowload the software first to try the game before you even get into it? Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to test the waters first and see if the game is worth your time? Or, if you don’t know how to play a certain game - do you need a tutorial? Guess no more. Online Casinos and Casino Gambling is dedicated to helping gamblers find the best casinos for online gambling. They offer free software downloads from online casinos and original tutorial software developed by Gamblecraft.com. Stay up to date with the latest internet gambling news and find out whats new in the world of online casinos.

The http://www.gamblecraft.com website teaches strategy for casino games like roulette, video poker, slots and many more. On their menu to the left you will find links to online casino game tutorials, reviews and software. Their aim is to assist you in learning the proper gambling strategies so you will have better odds of winning at online casinos. They provide a rating of the best online casinos. BY providing you a tutorial, you have the option to find out what game is best suited for you. You can download the software and try it out and not only that, they will also provide you Casino News so you know what goes on around the world of Online Casinos. Remember: Bet with your head, not over it.

This is a sponsored post.

Now that Technorati has finally allowed me to claim my blog (WOOHOO!!), we are now ready to post some serious entries.  It has been a while since I posted here so bear with me.  I know that there’s one topic out there that is getting a lot of news.  Phentermine, United States’ most populare weight loss medication.  It is prescribed and you are able to obtain it through Online Pharmacies. However, which ones are the ones that can be trusted in Phentermine Dosing? Are they all safe? Please don’t say that they all are or you are in serious trouble.

There is a project to compare all Online Pharmacies specially those that dispense the popular medication. The project delves into the the meaning of pharmaceutical affiliate networking and how it works. It narrows down the list of Online Pharmacies down to a few only and technically, you want to make sure that the pharmacy you are ordering your medication from complies with government regulation and staffed by experienced and certified healthcare professionals.

CompareOP allows you to do just that. Beside the ability to compare Online Pharmacies, they also have a forum that enables discussion among individuals or groups interested in learning more about Phentermine Dosing. Medications, most specially diet medications must be prescribed in the most strict process if at all possible. As you know, diet medications tend to work but you have to be aware of its side effects if any, before taking such medications.

If you’d like to learn more about Phentermine and its alternatives, you should visit http://comparop.com/ for more information.

This is a sponsored post.

It’s been several months since my blog listing disappeared from Technorati. It was working fine since January, then all of a sudden - - it is no longer listed. I have several blogs and I have no problems with the others yet, this one with the enough traffic has disappeared from their list!

Everytime I try to claim this blog (http://loansandstuff.com) - I get a response of, ‘There was a problem claiming your blog. Please try again in a few minutes. You can also go to Technorati Help, for help claiming your blog.”

I have been to the Technorati Help, I have read every possible reason why my blog cannot be claimed and none of them applies to me. I sent multiple messages to support and still have not received any response, I’ve pinged my site multiple times! I added pings and lots and lots of pings.. and still to no avail.

I’ve scoured the internet for answers here, here (where the author Janice) has disappeared since February 14th) and here. Not one answer solved my problems. My blog can be claimed with the old url, but not with the new? I tried to delete my original claim, re-claim it, pinging it manually, and adding a code to my site for them to ping - - nothing works.

Has anyone had this problem before that maybe you can help me. I really just need to get listed on Technorati, that’s all. I’m not even sure if all this futile attempts to get listed on Technorati is all that - but I’m trying anyway.

I read one blog where it states that the reason for these was because Technorati suspects that your blog is a spammer and decides to disable the spiders that run through the blogs.

I am vowed to put a Help Me Claim My Blog on Technorati banner until this is resolved on every post that I make. This was a suggestion given by one of the frustrated bloggers out there who cannot claim his blog but eventually got Technorati’s support on notice once he started posting ‘Help Me Claim My Blog’ on his posts until it is resolved by Technorati.

I have lived in five states in the last 19 years. I started in New York, Maryland, California, Pennsylvania and now New Jersey. Could you imagine moving my stuff all across the country and back?! It was very stressful. I even have to move my car and sheesh, if I didn’t rely on good companies that take care of my stuff - I would have nothing today.

My company provided the cash, I had to obtain and arrange the movers to move my stuff. With scheduling and timing of my departure and the time that I should get my stuff when I arrive at the other end - you could really pull your last hair out. Fortunately, the companies I’ve dealt with are great companies that would back up their work with professionalism and courteousness. Some people weren’t lucky as I am. You have to know what you’re dealing with before you assign anyone near your stuff. After all, these are YOUR stuff.

Boston Moving Company, Humboldt Storage and Moving has been a leading local and International Moving Company for over 100 years. They provide both with such professionalism and care. I had thought about moving to Singapore this year and who would have thought that there are professionals out there that are ready to move you in a flash - INTERNATIONALLY! Now I know where to go if I do decide to move.

There are lots of times when I considered moving again. I normally do not stay at an area for more than five years. This is the longest I’ve stayed at a certain state. If you are that type where you can’t stay put for more than five years - - you better start creating a relationship with your moving company. Believe me - it is well worth it to know who’s handling your stuff. Knock on wood - so far, my moves have been really smooth. If you’re considering to move - try http://www.humboldt.com. More than 100 years experience should tell you something.

This is a sponsored post.

Oil and Gas pipelines are projects that require competent professionals that would deliver an on-time and on-budget solution. Managing such big projects can be tedious and time-consuming . However, if you have the proper resources, you can have a successful and rewarding project that you can bring to completion. But how does one manage such a task? Working as a project manager, I understand exactly how important it is to complete a project and manage risks that are involved. It is always important to pay attention to the critical path and that is where this company comes in.

Coler & Colantonio, Inc.’s Intrepid Pipeline Solution is an enterprise-wide, fully integrated solution that allows you to seamlessly manage every aspect of your pipeline infrastructure. We have utilized the decades of experience that exists among all of our engineering divisions to deliver a scalable solution that saves you both time and money.

They also offer a Pipeline Software that helps you manage you project tasks, integrate field data acquisition and viewing, allowing project managers to effectively maintain their data. Intrepid also incorporates a number of analysis tools ensuring that managers can monitor the safety and reliability of their pipeline network.

Some specific benefits that their clients experience as a result of utilizing their Intrepid Software are:

* Mapping solutions for complex data management
* Fast-Track Implementation
* Scalable
* Dependable/stable environment
* Easily Customizable
* Ability to interface with existing digital sources
* Allows for the easy integration and implementation of new technology
* Cost-effective

Pipeline Projects may be managed effectively using their Intrepid Software. Beyond that, you have the backing of professionals to answer any questions that you may have.

Visit their website at http://www.col-col-geospatial.com/
.

This is a sponsored post.

Louis Vuitton. Gucci. Paris Hilton. Monique Lhuillier. What do they all have in common? Perfect branding. They know or someone they know, knows how to market their brand. If you are to go into business, wouldn’t you want your burger joint to be as successful as McDonalds? Or wouldn’t you want your company name splattered all over the walls that one mention of the name, they know exactly what your product is? That is branding.

Being on the business side of the world, I know exactly what it means. Reputation among your clients is very important. Knowing exactly how your product works and its market is one thing, but branding is everything. Wouldn’t you know exactly what I mean when I say Colgate or Coke? These are great brands and those companies worked very hard to make sure that their brand is widely known.

But how does one know if you are branding your product, your company, or yourself in the most efficient way? It takes quite a bit of a formula to make sure that you are doing exactly what those moguls did!

There is a website that provides a unique way to measure the strength of your brand. You answer a few questions and it will provide you the strength of your brand. See where you rank on the brand strength meter. Take the Branding Test and see how your company or product fares out among the rest. If there are improvements that you have to make to make your product more marketable, you should really do it. You will be glad you did!

This is a sponsored post.

If you are looking to buy a new home, chances are you probably put your picking on hold because of the market right? Well, the housing market isn’t really known whether it’s going to continue on its downturn or is it going to boom again next year? Who knows? Where’s Alan Greenspan when you need him to control the market? Just kidding.

There is no need to stop looking if you are looking for homes within the Dallas Forth Wroth area. Dallas Fort Worth New Homes is an innovative way to find the home of your dreams. Builders in the Dallas Forth Worth includes Bishop/Abbey, Kominski Builders, Sheridan Homes, History Maker Homes, Sotherby Homes and Springfield Custom Homes. Depending on the house that you are looking to purchase, Dallas Fort Worth New Homes provides you a variety of choices from low to high end homes with the participating builders on their site.

Yes, it’s possible to still own a home in the $118’s if you don’t mind a small home with a square footage of 1386 sqft, or the one on the $318’s if you want over 1728 sqft. It all depends and with the website, you can adjust to what you are looking for. From condos to townhomes, it’s your choice. To buy or to build is another choice. Dallas Fort Worth New Homes has it all. Again, this is a buyer’s market. You can price your home to your liking and probably get away with it.

Goodluck!

This is a sponsored post.

Disaster Housing Program

Program Description
The Disaster Housing Program provides housing assistance in the form of a grant to individuals whose homes sustained damage as a result of a Presidentially declared disaster. To qualify for assistance, the damaged home must be your primary residence, and be located in the disaster-declared area. If insured, a claim should be filed. This program provides grants for lodging expense reimbursement, minimal home repairs and rental assistance. A determination of the types of housing assistance you are eligible to receive will be made if you apply.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a national, citizen or dual citizen of the US whose home was destroyed or damaged by a Presidentially declared major disaster.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
Additional general information can be found at:
http://www.fema.gov/assistance/process/assistance.shtm#0

Individuals can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. Insured homeowners should first file a claim with their home insurer before contacting FEMA. An inspection is performed and a determination is made on your eligibility for one of the following types of assistance: Lodging expense reimbursement, minimal home repairs, rental assistance and Mortgage and Rental Assistance.
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/index.jsp

Employment Training Assistance

Program Description
Services are available to individuals seeking a job or developing work skills. Services include job search assistance, referral and placement assistance, reemployment services to unemployment insurance claimants, labor market information, and individual skills assessments.

If you are 18 or older and authorized to work in the United States, you may also be eligible to receive counseling, help in developing an individual employment plan, training and basic education. Childcare and transportation services may be available to enable an individual to participate in these activities. The array of services available is based upon an assessment of individual needs.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
You may also call a toll-free help line:
877-872-5627

People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:
877-889-5627

Employers and jobseekers can find the services they need at a convenient Career One-Stop Center. Find the nearest One-Stop Center to you at:
http://www.servicelocator.org

Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov/

Farmer and Rancher Interest Assistance Program

Program Description
The Interest Assistance Program provides a 4 percent interest rate subsidy to farmers and ranchers who do not qualify for standard commercial credit. These loans are arranged through commercial lenders.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a national, citizen or dual citizen of the US who is or has been a rancher or agricultural producer/farmer and has been denied a loan by a commercial lender.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
More information about the Farmer and Rancher Interest Assistance Program is available at:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafl/default.htm

You may also obtain information through your local FSA office or USDA service center. To locate the office nearest you, visit:
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=us&agency=fsa

Or you may contact the FSA program manager directly: Jim Radintz
jim.radintz@wdc.usda.gov

Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov/

Federal Pell Grants
Program DescriptionFederal Pell Grants help financially needy undergraduate students, who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree, meet the cost of postsecondary education. In limited cases a Pell Grant may be awarded for attending a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a student pursuing a postsecondary educational degree or certificate.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
Additional information about Federal Pell Grants can be obtained at:
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/grants.jsp?tab=fund…

The U.S. Department of Education’s Student Aid on the Web-the gateway to Federal student aid, offers a single source of free information not only for applying for Federal aid, but also on choosing a career, selecting a school, and identifying non-Federal resources to pay for higher education.
http://studentaid.ed.gov

For general information about the Federal student aid programs, assistance in completing the FAFSA, and information about FAFSA on the Web, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at the following toll-free number:
800-433-3243

To determine whether you are eligible to receive assistance through this program, you must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use this information from the FAFSA to determine your actual financial aid package.

People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free number:
800-325-0778

TTY users for the hearing impaired can call:
800-730-8913

You may complete the FAFSA online, through this website:
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Additional useful information may be obtained from the U.S. Department of Education at:
http://www.ed.gov/finaid/landing.jhtml

For information about Education Consolidation loans, visit The Student Guide online at:
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html

Or click on the “Repaying” tab and then scroll down to the topic “Loan Consolidation” (you can double click on the title “Loan Consolidation” for additional screens of information at):
http://www.studentaid.ed.gov

The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Direct Loan Consolidation Website is at:
http://www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is a centralized database that stores information on all student loans as well as school enrollment information.
http://www.nslds.ed.gov/

To report fraud, waste, and abuse involving Federal student aid funds, call:
800-647-8733

Callers in locations without access to 800 numbers may call this non toll-free number:
319-337-5665

Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov

Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI)

Program Description
These are benefits paid to people who are 65 or older or who are blind or disabled and who have limited income and resources.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must:

• Be age 65 or older OR blind OR disabled;
• Be a citizen or qualified non-citizen;
• Have limited income;
• Have resources valued at $2,000 or less ($3,000 or less if you are married); and
• Permanently reside in one of the 50 States, DC or the Northern Mariana Islands

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
For a more detailed screening to determine your eligibility, please visit the Social Security Administration’s Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool:
http://best.ssa.gov/

People who are hearing impaired may call Social Security’s toll-free TTY number:
800-325-0778

For more information on this program and how to apply, call Social Security’s toll-free number:
800-772-1213
Managing Agency
U.S. Social Security Administration
http://www.socialsecurity.gov

VA Healthcare - Pharmacy Service

Program Description
To qualify for the prescription benefit provided by VA Pharmacy Service, you must be enrolled in and receiving health care from the VA health care system or be eligible based on one of the exceptions in the law.

Only prescriptions written by a VA health care provider or a VA-authorized provider can be provided by VA to eligible veteran patients. Your VA provider will review any prescriptions from a private health care provider during a medical visit to determine if they can be rewritten by a VA healthcare provider and dispensed from a VA pharmacy.

VA Pharmacy Service provides prescription drugs and medical supplies from VA pharmacies to eligible veterans. The prescriptions may be received at a VA pharmacy or mailed to your home address.

General Program Requirements
The prescription drug benefit is part of VA’s Medical Benefits Package. You must be enrolled in the VA health care system or be eligible based on one of the exceptions in the law.

For information on-line for the VA’s Medical Benefits Package, please go to http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/eligibility/Others.asp.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
For more information about this program and how to apply, visit:
http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/

Or call the Health Benefits Service Center at this toll-free number:
1-877-222-8387
Managing Agency
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
http://www1.va.gov/health

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