Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Where can I find information on how to become a microloan intermediary?

A:  SBA is seeking experienced microloan intermediaries to join its program. Please see the attached notice for more information on how to apply and criteria for becoming an SBA microlender.
SBA Seeks Microlenders for Expanding Program

Q:  When will Recovery Act funds for microloans be made available?

A:  Recovery Act funds are now available.

Q:  Are there any new or changed reporting requirements in store for the use of Recovery Act funds?

A:  Yes. The Recovery Act places an emphasis on high standards of transparency and accountability which in turn leads to several new reporting requirements. Recovery Act funds are subject to reporting requirements outlined in Section 1512 of the Act which have been further developed by OMB Memo 09-21 on June 22, 2009. SBA’s Microloans Program staff has been analyzing this document and will shortly release an information notice to our intermediaries that details the continuities and changes in reporting requirements from previous years. Once the notice has been published, we will include a link to it here. In addition, we will be conducting an online training session on the reporting requirements. We will provide more information here once the session date is set.

Q:  Grants.gov is unresponsive or extremely slow. Is there an alternative method to give SBA my grant application for technical assistance?

A:   Yes. Due to the Recovery Act, Grants.gov is expecting a significant increase in demand for their site over the next few months. To counter any potential disruptions to the grants application process due to overload on Grants.gov’s limited resources, SBA is offering an alternative method to their participating microloan intermediaries for submitting their grant application packages.

If you are experiencing difficulty with the Grants.gov site, SBA’s Microloan Program offers an alternative method for submitting grant applications for grants made with the Recovery Act funds:

• SBA can send you a zip file of the grant application which contains fill-able forms. To request this zip file, please contact the Microenterprise Development Branch at (202) 205-6485 or by email at microloans@sba.gov. Please provide your Grants.gov case number with all your communications to SBA should you need to utilize this alternative route.

This option is meant as an alternative method for the grant application process should Grants.gov become slow or unresponsive due to heavy Recovery Act usage. Please continue to use Grants.gov as usual unless this situation arises.