SBA’s Microloan Program provides small businesses with small short-term loans for working capital or the purchase of inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and/or equipment. SBA makes funds available to specially designated intermediary lenders, which are nonprofit organizations with experience in lending and technical assistance. These intermediaries then make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts up to a maximum of $50,000. The average loan size is about $13,000. Applications are submitted to the local intermediary and all credit decisions are made on the local level.

This letter announces the extension of the ARRA grant funding period to Sept. 30, 2012. Please contact your Microenterprise Financial Analyst at SBA headquarters if you have any questions.

• SBA Microloan Intermediaries