Getting to Yes! – Removing Barriers to Small Business Lending

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Michigan District Office, in partnership with the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Small Business Development Center at Kettering University, is bringing Getting to Yes!  to Genesee County.

The program is a unique initiative developed to help area small business owners get the financing they need to grow their businesses. Created in response to concerns of business owners who found it difficult to access capital for a variety of reasons, Getting to Yes! has four phases – education, consultation, mock loan preparation and individual meetings with lenders.

“This unique approach to preparing for a loan greatly improves the probability of accessing capital,” said SBA Michigan District Director Gerald Moore. “Participants will develop a comprehensive loan package, get a chance to rehearse their pitch in front of a panel of lenders, and gain access to a wide variety of traditional and alternative lending institutions.”

Business owners throughout Flint and Genesee County who meet the basic criteria are encouraged to apply. However, participation is limited to 6 to 10 businesses this session. Participants will be selected by a small committee from the applications submitted. The program is free.

“This program is for small businesses with at least two years of profitability that are looking to grow with an infusion of capital,” said Kyle McCree, Director of Business Financing, Flint & Genesee Chamber.  “Applicants must be willing to commit to the entire program during which they complete a business plan with detailed financial projections.”

To apply, go to www.sba.gov/mi and complete the Client Profile Form. The deadline is April 17. The program begins May 7 and concludes June 25.

For more information, please contact Kyle McCree, Director of Business Financing, Flint & Genesee Chamber, at .

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