Loan Assistance Agreement - Business Lending Solutions: Fill & Download for Free

I didn't have time to gather all the facts so forgive me for being so brief but here it goes:“Within his first week, he signed an Executive Order ordering an audit of government contracts, and combating waste and abuse. http://1.usa.gov/dUvbu5Created the post of Chief Performance Officer, whose job it is to make operations more efficient to save the federal government money. http://n.pr/hcgBn1On his first full day, he froze White House salaries for the duration of the Great Recession.http://on.msnbc.com/ewJUIxHe appointed the first Federal Chief Information Officer to oversee federal IT spending and efficiency. http://www.cio.govHe committed to phasing out unnecessary and outdated weapons systems and signed the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act, in an attempt to limit waste, fraud and abuse in the defense procurement and contracting systems. http://bit.ly/hOw1t1http://bit.ly/fz8GAdHe created the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. http://bit.ly/hwKhKaSigned an Executive Order instructing federal agencies to review all federal regulations and remove any unnecessary and/or burdensome regulations from the books.http://1.usa.gov/Lpo5bdDismantled the Minerals Management Service, thereby cutting ties between energy companies and the government. http://nyti.ms/bw1MLuBanned gifts from lobbyists to anyone in the Executive Branch. http://bit.ly/fsBACNBanned anyone from working in an agency they had lobbied in previous years and placed strict limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House. http://nyti.ms/gOrznVHeld the first-ever first online town hall from the White House, and took questions from the public. http://bit.ly/gVNSgXBecame the first president to stream every White House event, live.http://1.usa.gov/kAgOP5Established a central portal for Americans to find service opportunities.http://www.serve.govRestored the 30-day time frame for former presidents to review records and eliminated the right for the vice president or family members of former presidents to do the reviews, giving the public greater access to historic White House documents, and curtails the use of executive privilege to shield them. http://1.usa.gov/gUetLbImproved the Freedom of Information Act and issued new guidelines to make FOIA more open and transparent when processing FOIA requests. http://1.usa.gov/gjrnp2Streamline the Department of Education’s procurement policies and made them more transparent. http://bit.ly/1r9oQvhProvided the first voluntary disclosure of the White House Visitors Log in history. http://1.usa.gov/hQ7Signed a law to completely reform NSA Data Collection program and keep phone records in the hands of the phone company. http://bit.ly/1dG34vDStaved Off a Bush Depression, Improved the EconomyPushed through and signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as “the stimulus package.” He also launched http://recovery.gov, a website that allows taxpayers to track spending from the Act. http://1.usa.gov/ibiFSshttp://1.usa.gov/e3BJMkBy the end of his first year, the economy created and sustained 2.1 million jobs and stimulated the economy by 3.5%. http://reut.rs/i46CEEHe created the massive TARP financial and banking rescue plan and forced banks and other entities to pay back virtually all of the bailout money.http://1.usa.gov/eA5jVShttp://bit.ly/eCNrD6He created the Making Home Affordable home refinancing plan. http://1.usa.gov/goy6zlIn 2010, more jobs were created than had been created during Bush’s eight years.http://bit.ly/hrrnjYHe pushed through and implemented an auto industry rescue plan that saved as many as 1 million jobs and possibly the entire auto industry.http://bit.ly/ibhpxrhttp://bit.ly/gj7mt5Through his investment in GM, returned to the company to its place as the premiere car company in the world. http://lat.ms/zIJuQxIn February 2016, GM was in such good financial shape, they gave a share of the profit to each worker, with checks up to $11,000. http://detne.ws/1mk7JryDoubled funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, to improve manufacturing efficiency. http://bit.ly/eYD4nfIncreased infrastructure spending after years of neglect. http://bit.ly/f77aOwSigned the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, which helped millions of Americans avoid preventable foreclosures and provided $2.2 billion to combat homelessness and stabilize the housing market. http://bit.ly/eEpLFnSigned an Executive Order creating jobs immediately by instructing them to reduce the time needed for review and permitting of infrastructure projects. http://1.usa.gov/GHxaYtThrough the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, he and Congressional Democrats provided tax credits to first-time home buyers, which helped the U.S. housing market recovery. http://bit.ly/dZgXXw http://bit.ly/gORYfLPlayed a lead role in getting the G-20 Summit to commit to a $1.1 trillion deal to combat the global financial crisis. http://nyti.ms/gHlgp5Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, saved at least 300,000 education jobs, such as teachers, principals, librarians, and counselors that would have otherwise been lost. http://1.usa.gov/ez30DWith Congressional Democrats, provided funding to states and the Department of Homeland Security to save thousands of police and firefighter jobs from being cut during the recession. http://bit.ly/g0IKWRChina’s largest manufacturer, Foxconn, is building a large plant in Pennsylvaniahttp://cnnmon.ie/1k7LT4SWorked with Apple Computer to get them to build more product here, and thecompany is building two large plants to manufacture products here; one in Texashttp://zd.net/1nkpt2O and one in Arizona http://bit.ly/1mXY5VgCreated an institute to invest in more manufacturing jobs in the technology fields of the future. http://nyti.ms/1egyXrVOrdered all federal contractors to pay a minimum wage of $10.10 per hour, leading the way to a national increase. http://wapo.st/1iaU5kdOrdered the completion of the International Trade Data System, a digital trade record book, by 2016. This move will streamline and simplify the process through which small- and medium-sized businesses set up the export of US goods. http://bit.ly/1nwSRF4Specific Examples of Economic ImprovementAs of January 2016, a record 64 consecutive months of overall job growth.http://on.msnbc.com/1TKFCPQAs of January 2016, Unemployment drops below 5% for the first time in eight years and without a significant bubble. 4.9% http://on.msnbc.com/1TKFCPQAs of January 2016, there have been 71 consecutive months of private sector job growth. http://on.msnbc.com/1TKFCPQSince February 2010, when job numbers hit their lowest point, 13.7 non-farm jobs have been created. http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/C... (Republican budget cuts reduced public employment by about 700,000)Oversaw a reduction in the federal budget deficit by two-thirds since taking office.http://bit.ly/1xKMmjYReduced the federal budget deficit from 9.8% of GDP in Fiscal Year 2009 under Bush, to 2.9% of GDP in FY 2014. http://www.cbo.gov/publication/4...Scolds Congress and gets passed a $305 billion highways bill, which will have the added benefit of created hundreds of thousands of new jobs and creating incentives for green cars. http://bit.ly/1NsL2ZqAddressed Wrongdoing in the Financial SectorSigned the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act giving the federal government more tools to investigate and prosecute fraud in every corner of the financial system, and create a bipartisan Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission to investigate the financial fraud that led to the economic meltdown. http://abcn.ws/g18Fe7Ordered 65 executives who took bailout money to cut their own pay until they paid back all bailout money. http://huff.to/eAi9QqAlong with Congressional Democrats, pushed through and got passed Dodd-Frank, one of the largest and most comprehensive Wall Street reforms since the Great Depression.http://bit.ly/hWCPg0http://bit.ly/geHpcDCreated and implemented rules to reduce the influence of speculators in the oil market.http://bit.ly/MDnA1tCreated and implemented rules so banks can no longer use depositors’ money to invest in high-risk financial instruments that work against depositors’ interests. http://bit.ly/fnTayjSupported the concept of allowing stockholders to vote on executive compensation.http://bit.ly/fnTayjEndorsed and supported the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 that would close offshore tax avoidance loopholes. http://bit.ly/esOdfB http://bit.ly/eG4DPMNegotiated a deal with Swiss banks permitting the US government to gain access to bank records of criminals and tax evaders. http://bit.ly/htfDgwSigned the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, closing many of the loopholes that allowed companies to send jobs overseas, and avoid paying US taxes by moving money offshore. http://1.usa.gov/bd1RTqThanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, inflation in the healthcare sector dropped to its lowest point in 50 years. http://on.wsj.com/1E6cYjFImproved Conditions for Consumers and Small BusinessesSigned the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive credit card practices.http://1.usa.gov/gIaNcSGuided the housing market all the way back from total collapse, which led to a rally for housing starts. http://reut.rs/1NTAOVU http://reut.rs/1NTAOVUBrought airline industry back to their highest profitability since before the recession. http://lat.ms/1O8H1iEBlocked a monopolistic merger of Staples and Office Depot, to preserve at least some competition. http://bit.ly/1kcY2KvStock market has reached record highs, restoring most of the economic losses felt during the Bush Recession. http://bit.ly/1z4FAtLCreated and Implemented the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau http://1.usa.gov/j5onG http://bit.ly/fnTayjConsumer confidence continues to inch up to its highest level more than a decade.http://bit.ly/1PZLRcKInitiated a $15 billion plan designed to encourage increased lending to small businesses. http://1.usa.gov/eu0u0bCreated BusinessUSA, to allow online collaboration between small businesses and experts re managing a business. (The program has since merged with U.S. Small Business Administration.) http://www.business.govTook steps to improve minority access to capital. http://bit.ly/f9xVE7Used recovered TARP money to fund programs at local housing finance agencies in California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona and Michigan. http://on.msnbc.com/i1i8eVCrafted and signed an executive order establishing the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans. http://bit.ly/eyqsNEOversaw the most sweeping food safety legislation since the Great Depression.http://thedc.com/gxkCtPThrough the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, extended the False Claims Act to combat fraud by companies and individuals using money from TARP and Stimulus programs. http://bit.ly/SLTcSaSet up rules for banks in handling legal marijuana money. http://nyti.ms/1b80o2KAdded greater protections to consumer financial transactions to reduce identity theft.http://1.usa.gov/1pjfUFqTook steps to prevent pirate fishing and protect fish populations, and ordered stricter labeling requirements on labeling of seafood products in stores. http://1.usa.gov/1BYhTUnSigned the RAISE Act, which should encourage more people to open small businesses and help improve the economy. http://bit.ly/1QhTqkFSigned a bill that allows low-volume vehicle manufacturers that will increase entrepreneurship among small car manufacturers, who often build replicas of classics but who often build green vehicles. http://bit.ly/1QhTqkFStrengthened the Middle Class and Fought PovertyWorked to provide affordable, high-quality child care to working families.http://bit.ly/fNfidSThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, cut taxes for 95% of America’s working families. http://bit.ly/eSEI4FTax rates for average working families are the lowest since 1950. http://bit.ly/f74pD8Extended and fully funded the patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax for 10 years.http://bit.ly/eFeSdPExtended discounted health coverage under the COBRA health insurance law for the unemployed from 9 months to 15 months, and he’s also extended unemployment benefits more than a few times. http://aol.it/evtVxDhttp://nyti.ms/emrqKJhttp://bit.ly/hOtIpg http://bit.ly/fTT7kzProvided a $20 billion increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps). http://nyti.ms/gfLqyMSigned an Executive Order that established the White House Office of Urban Affairs.http://wapo.st/eWECA8Included the Buffet Rule in his 2014 budget proposal, in order to fulfill a campaign promise to make sure tax rates are fair between the rich and the middle class. http://1.usa.gov/19PkdQoUsed the fiscal cliff negotiations to extend for five additional years the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides tax credits to families for college-related expenses, thus saving those families up to $10,000. http://onforb.es/17zYg3uIncreased protections for the unemployed who are seeking a government job.http://1.usa.gov/1jgXATuUpdated and modernized overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) http://1.usa.gov/1iGDO8eSigned and implemented the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, to improve nutrition in schools and make children healthier. http://1.usa.gov/GAXkSkTo make college more affordable and accountable, will begin rating colleges with regard to affordability and value. http://bit.ly/14Dn7ULInitiated a reform of federal job training programs, to make them more relevant to the current economy and the job market. http://1.usa.gov/1kZLQHGUnder Obama, the bottom 95% of taxpayers pay lower federal income taxes than at any time in the last 50 years, including under Reagan, or either Bush. http://bit.ly/1w1W8NsSigned a presidential memorandum authorizing six weeks paid leave for all federal employees with a new baby and encouraged Congress to do the same for all workers. http://bit.ly/18613XA2014 marked the first time since 1984 that unemployment dropped in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 1.usa.gov/1E25u0CTook steps to improve workplace safety by creating an Advisory Board to study workers’ exposure to toxic substances. http://1.usa.gov/1M4s8IGChanged overtime rules to make it far more difficult for employers to avoid paying overtime to workers. http://politi.co/1KHfiBeChanged rules for federal contractors, guaranteeing that all workers earn paid leave; this should affect about 300,000 workers. http://1.usa.gov/1LcHZWlNegotiated a law to finally replace “No Child Left Behind” and remove much of the onerous government “oversight” that caused children to stagnate, not improve, academically. http://bit.ly/1Up9pMlAddressed Civil Rights and EqualityFormed a commission to examine and make recommendations for fixing the broken voting system. http://wapo.st/16K0DAt a press conference August 9, 2013, gave up a small measure of executive power, promising to create adversarial process in FISA regarding NSA surveillance.http://1.usa.gov/1dQmnyQProposed rules to enhance Fair Housing Laws, to give HUD and other enforcement agencies more enforcement power. http://bit.ly/1qkz4uQOrdered a review of capital punishment policies after several botched executions.http://nyti.ms/RDJp58Appointed Kareem Dale as the first ever Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. http://1.usa.gov/fi5IY0Concentrated immigration enforcement on those who commit crimes, and vowed to stop breaking up families. http://1.usa.gov/1uTZ8gVStreamlined the visa process, to make it more responsive and humane for those who want to be here legally. http://1.usa.gov/1tgDRtiTook steps to tighten the reins when it comes to providing local law enforcement agencies with military-style equipment and exercising more control over the equipment they receive. http://1.usa.gov/1ATWV3KChanged fair housing rules to make more affordable housing available to more people. http://cnn.it/1JcR3qBHelped Democrats in Congress pass and signed the Civil Rights History Act.http://bit.ly/th0JC8Established the White House Council of Native American Affairs, to improve government-to-government relations with Native American nations. http://1.usa.gov/1cIEeEvLimited local police acquisitions of military-style equipment, to reduce the likelihood of overkill. http://n.pr/1NGkBjTSigned Blue Alert Law, which provides police officers with more information when they are threatened. http://bit.ly/1NGksgaImproved Workers’ RightsHe issued final rules that require all employers to prominently post employees’ rights where all employees or prospective employees can see it, including all websites and intranets.http://1.usa.gov/qu2EhQObama’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission clarified and strengthened rules prohibiting discrimination against pregnant workers. http://alj.am/1mo0kjVRequired companies who bid on federal contracts larger than $500,000 to publicly disclose all previous violations of labor law, including unpaid claims for back wages. http://1.usa.gov/V54qY3Made it illegal for federal contractors with more than $1 million in contracts to force employees into arbitration in workplace discrimination accusations. http://1.usa.gov/V54qY3Vetoed Republican bill that would have blocked new NLRB rules that were designed to speed up the time it takes workers to unionize. http://reut.rs/1agujMO He also added a Memorandum of Disagreement to make his reasons for the veto clear and made a major statement in support of unions. http://1.usa.gov/1NG7RuACracked down on companies that were previously denying sick pay, vacation and health insurance, and Social Security and Medicare tax payments through abuse of the employee classification of independent contractor. http://nyti.ms/fOGLcjProtected the Rights of Gay PeopleSigned and implemented the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which made it a federal crime to assault anyone based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. http://bit.ly/gsMSJ7Oversaw and implemented the repeal of the reprehensible “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy.http://bit.ly/fdahuHhttp://bit.ly/mZV4PzExtended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. http://1.usa.gov/g2RLCjAppointed more openly gay officials than anyone in history. http://bit.ly/g1lA7DAppointed first openly transgender Cabinet Official in History. http://bit.ly/58zUp7Advocated that United Nations adopt a policy supporting gay rights worldwide.http://lat.ms/pQe1RSAs soon as the Supreme Court invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act, he moved to extend federal benefits to same-sex couples. http://wapo.st/1avDjueIssued an order requiring hospitals to allow visitation by same-sex couples.http://reut.rs/llNJekChanged HUD rules to prohibit gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination in housing bit.ly/9RxEnPChanged his mind and publicly expressed support for same-sex marriage.http://bit.ly/JsiFKpIssued a Presidential Memorandum reaffirming the rights of gay couples to make medical decisions for each other. http://1.usa.gov/aUueGTAppointed several prominent gay athletes and others, and plans to show US government’s commitment to gay rights to anti-gay Russia. http://on.cpsj.com/1fckN9hDepartment of Agriculture propagated new rules to better enforce non-discrimination when it comes to USDA investigations and to extend non-discrimination to gender identity. http://bit.ly/1yChJhiBanned all federal contractors from discriminating against gay workers. http://1.usa.gov/1ok1gfHPersevered with his campaign to turn “gay marriage” into “marriage” and won in the Supreme Court. http://cbsloc.al/1M4qLKbImproved Conditions for WomenEstablishing the White House Council on Women and Girls to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies consider the effect of their policies and programs on women and families. http://bit.ly/e1puTk http://1.usa.gov/rFfqMMImplemented the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restored basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers. http://bit.ly/fT3CxgEliminated federal funding for abstinence-only education, and rescinded the global gag rule. http://bit.ly/eCFAI1 http://bit.ly/f92drFImproved the Paycheck Fairness Act, making it possible for employees to talk about their salaries without retaliation, and ordering salary data collection, so as to make it harder for employers to pay women less. http://huff.to/1nwVOWfSigned an Executive Order pledging support for efforts to end the global problem of violence against women and girls. http://1.usa.gov/MHTRVUShattered another glass ceiling by naming Janet Yellen chair of the Federal Reserve beginning Feb. 1, 2014. http://usat.ly/1gqMBfkExpanded funding for the Violence Against Women Act. http://1.usa.gov/dSbI0xOrdered companies with 100 employees or more to disclose pay data based on race and gender, to address the pay gap. http://theatln.tc/1Q04XPLAddressed Criminal Justice Failings and the Gun CultureMade significant reductions in drug sentencing guidelines for current prisoners. http://n.pr/1mWBLkMOversaw the first drop in the federal prison population in 32 years. http://bit.ly/1B5h8rWIncreased his use of clemency to release thousands of non-violent drug offenders from prison. http://nyti.ms/1KE8DJGOrdered a ban on solitary confinement for juvenile offenders in federal prisons.http://bit.ly/20ObRzATook executive action to promote smart gun technology, to make them safer.http://1.usa.gov/1RhK1tUAfter a failure by Congress to act, proposed executive orders to create more background checks and to fully staff the background check system. http://cnn.it/1JXmUg6Relaxed HIPAA rules enough to allow for more information to be available to the background check system. http://on.wsj.com/SX9xaZOrdered the tracing of guns as part of criminal investigations to provide data to researchers. http://on.wsj.com/SX9xaZOrder the Justice Department to look at the categories of mental health problems prohibited from owning guns to make sure people aren’t falling through the cracks, getting guns. http://onforb.es/1nUAGw3Expanded the definitions of gun dealers and expanded the information available and required in background checks for firearm purchases. http://bit.ly/1K5aXeeSet up a task force to figure out what other measures can be taken to limit gun violence in the wake of Congressional inaction. http://1.usa.gov/1QjYMGJImproved Treatment of Soldiers and VeteransProvided active combat troops with better body armor. http://bit.ly/hzSv2hCreated a Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program for military personnel, in order http://abcn.ws/1ghLrEshttp://abcn.ws/1ghLrEs to improve the quality of their medical care. http://1.usa.gov/f4yaxWPut an end to the Bush-era stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan beyond their enlistment date. http://nyti.ms/e2YQ7QSigned and implemented Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, making more money available to enable better medical care for veterans.http://1.usa.gov/fN4ur1With Congressional Democrats, oversaw largest spending increase in 30 years for Department of Veterans Affairs, for improved medical and extended care facilities for veterans. http://1.usa.gov/gY8O3xImplemented the Green Vet Initiative, which provides special funding to provide veterans with training in green jobs. http://bit.ly/epwUQYInitiated and signed a recruitment and employment plan to get more veterans into government jobs. http://bit.ly/b48coiOversaw a $4.6 billion expansion of the Veterans Administration budget to pay for more mental health professionals. http://bit.ly/gjzTxXSigned the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, which ensures that spouses of military personnel who are forced to move because their spouse is posted for military duty can avoid state taxes in their temporary residence. http://bit.ly/1Gh0NXOrdered improvements to access to mental health care for veterans, military personnel and their families. http://1.usa.gov/TP7PVZGot Syria to dismantle its chemical weapons without military firing a single shot or dropping a single bomb. http://nyti.ms/1lVEkU7Along with Congressional Democrats, not only reauthorized families of fallen soldiers to be able to visit when the body arrives at Dover AFB, but also provided funding for it. Ended the media blackout on coverage of the return of fallen soldiers. Pentagon Will Help Families Travel to Dover http://bbc.in/gWSSkAFunded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with an extra $1.4 billion to improve veterans’ services. http://1.usa.gov/huhqfoSigned into law a bill that provides support, counseling, and breastfeeding supplies to military moms who are covered under TRICARE, the health insurance provided to veterans. http://bit.ly/1yNxL8OSigned into law a bill that makes it easier for military dogs to retire at home with their handlers. http://bit.ly/1J78Y2UImproved America’s Reputation Around the WorldVisited more countries and met with more world leaders than any previous president during his first six months in office. http://bit.ly/hZycdaAs he promised, he gave a speech at a major Islamic forum in Cairo early in his administration. http://nyti.ms/dKvY4gMade a speech at a US mosque to demonstrate his commitment to religious rights and send a message to Muslims around the world. http://cnn.it/1PGU1uIRestored America’s reputation around the world as a global leader.http://bit.ly/h743y7http://bit.ly/ho4TCrRe-established and reinforced our partnership with NATO and other allies on strategic international issues. http://1.usa.gov/e7QuDjClosed a number of secret detention facilities. http://nyti.ms/rpUc9lImproved relations with Middle East countries by appointing special envoys.http://1.usa.gov/tiGAGePushed forward the first realistic Middle East peace strategy in more than a decade, without abandoning the two-state solution. http://wapo.st/1avystePushed for military to emphasize greater development of foreign language skills. http://bit.ly/AxUCLVOffered $400 million to the people living in Gaza, while calling on both Israel and the Palestinians to stop inciting violence. http://bit.ly/9axfWhRefused to give Israel the green light to attack Iran over their possible nuclear program.http://bit.ly/xVmSZKOrdered the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay, although blocked by Congress.http://bit.ly/eW6CVFOrdered a review of our detention and interrogation policy and prohibited the use of “enhanced interrogation.” http://bit.ly/g6MTuCOrdered all secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere to be closed.http://bbc.in/h6N9axReleased the Bush torture memos. http://bit.ly/hWJ5z0On his second day in office, banned torture, reversed all Bush torture policies and put the US in full compliance with the Geneva Convention.http://1.usa.gov/dL6Zvehttp://nyti.ms/hzWWysIn response to the emerging “Arab Spring,” he created a Rapid Response fund, to assist emerging democracies with foreign aid, debt relief, technical assistance and investment packages in order to show that the United States stands with them. http://bit.ly/zfmGv9Ended the F-22 program, saving $4 billion. Though the 187 aircraft cost $358 million each to build, it had never flown a combat mission. http://slate.me/PYzmzTPassed the Iran Sanctions Act, to prevent war and encourage the Iranian government to give up their nuclear program. http://1.usa.gov/wLtNjbEnded the Iraq War. http://tgr.ph/ru0tySWorked to keep our withdrawal from Afghanistan on track, despite GOP opposition.http://reut.rs/1cIOsF1 Reiterated that commitment in 2014.http://nyti.ms/1exnmRFConducted a secret mission by SEAL Team Six to rescue two hostages held by Somali pirates. http://bit.ly/y8c9FzThrough United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice, helped negotiate a peaceful split of Sudan into two countries, creating an independent South Sudan. http://reut.rs/qzE0TjHelped make donations to Haiti tax deductible in 2009. http://huff.to/6YkAVYEstablished a new U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. http://1.usa.gov/eX28DPIssued Executive Order blocking interference and helping to stabilize Somalia.http://1.usa.gov/hxdf8UEstablished new, more reasonable policies in our relations with Cuba, such as allowing Cuban-Americans to visit their families and send money to support them.http://n.pr/hY3Kwa http://nyti.ms/emQBdeThe new policies in Cuba led to thawed relations and the first US Embassy in Cuba in more than 55 years. http://abcn.ws/1ghLrEsNegotiated a deal with Iran that will prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon anytime soon, without firing a shot or invading the country. http://cnn.it/1M3HpvvAs a result of the Iran agreement, Iran shipped pretty much all of it nuclear material to Russia. http://nyti.ms/1PrzLtyBecame the first US President to visit Jamaica in more than 30 years, worked to restore relations with the country and signed a natural gas distribution agreement with the country. http://bit.ly/1JtpFqiChanged US Approach to “Defense” and National SecurityCreated a comprehensive new strategy for dealing with the international nuclear threat.http://1.usa.gov/gDX1nEAuthorized a $1.4 billion reduction in Star Wars program in 2010. http://1.usa.gov/gLFZl2Restarted nuclear nonproliferation talks and built up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols to where they had been before Bush. http://lat.ms/gkcl3iSigned and got ratification of a new SALT Treaty. http://bit.ly/f3JVtwNegotiated and signed a new START Treaty that will stay in force until at least 2021.http://1.usa.gov/cI1bC4Committed the US to no permanent military bases in Iraq. http://bit.ly/hk73OJDeveloped a comprehensive strategy with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan designed to facilitate the defeat of al Qaeda, the withdrawal of most troops and the rebuilding of Afghanistan. http://wapo.st/ee4XcsRe-focused on Afghanistan, stabilized the country, and began the process of withdrawing troops from the country. http://bit.ly/lNXUnaNegotiated a deal with Afghan government, to withdraw troops and military support, while assisting in rebuilding and modernizing of the country. http://bit.ly/K362anTook steps to severely weaken al Qaeda and limited their ability to terrorize the world.http://yhoo.it/n5lXs6Negotiated and signed a nuclear nonproliferation treaty with India.http://1.usa.gov/aHp0CnWorked with NATO to limit the slaughter of innocents in Libya, so that Libyans could topple the despotic Khadaffy government and determine their own fate.http://aje.me/qAh4SjGot Egyptian President/dictator Mubarak to leave the Egyptian government to the people, to determine their own fate. http://f24.my/efvgNZIn 2011, reoriented American focus from the Middle East to the Asian-Pacific region by simultaneously engaging China and crafting new alliances with Asian countries uncomfortable with Chinese behavior. http://bit.ly/RGlMDiRestored federal agencies such as FEMA to the point that they have been able to manage a huge number of natural disasters successfully. http://bit.ly/h8Xj7zIncreased border security http://bit.ly/1JQDGz9Ordered and oversaw the Navy SEALS operation that killed Osama bin Laden.http://bit.ly/jChpgwEstablished the Homeland Security Partnership Council, to enhance the nation’s ability to “address homeland security priorities, from responding to natural disasters to preventing terrorism, by utilizing diverse perspectives, skills, tools, and resources.”http://1.usa.gov/VJjLXOSigned agreement with Afghanistan to end war, turn security over to Afghans.http://nyti.ms/1xSjgBdBreaking with recent presidential tradition, instead of just attacking Syria in the wake of chemical weapons attacks on Syrians, Obama ordered a full report on the decision-making process. http://cbsn.ws/184RFguInstead of holding hearings and creating a political football, he quietly captured a suspect who actually committed the Benghazi terrorist attack. http://wapo.st/1jFlmzv He is also getting a lot of useful information from the suspect. http://nyti.ms/UfE2KaInstituted rules to order sanctions against individuals and groups that threaten national cybersecurity. http://1.usa.gov/1HWcGMGImproved Education and Educational OpportunitiesThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, invested heavily in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. http://1.usa.gov/gGRIArCreated the Race to the Top program, which encouraged states to come up with effective school reforms and rewards the best of them. http://bit.ly/NHtZ7LOversaw major expansion of broadband availability in K-12 schools nationwide.http://bit.ly/fNDcj3Oversaw major expansion in school construction. http://bit.ly/fYwNrVThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, put $5 billion into early education, including Head Start. http://1.usa.gov/tzT2RrSigned the Democratic-sponsored Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as GI Bill 2.0, to improve veterans’ access to education. http://bit.ly/hPhG7JOversaw expansion of the Pell Grants program, to expand opportunity for low and middle income students to go to college. http://bit.ly/hI6tXzSigned and implemented the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provided an extra $12.2 billion in funds. http://1.usa.gov/dQvtUeTook major new steps to protect students from ineffective for-profit colleges through “gainful employment” measures, whereby schools have to demonstrate that its students actually find work to get federal aid. http://1.usa.gov/jkzQe2Repeatedly increased funding for student financial aid, and at the same time cut the banks completely out of the process, thus us creating greater accountability.http://bit.ly/gYWd30 http://bit.ly/e9c7Dr http://bit.ly/eEzTNqReformed student loan program, to make it possible for students to refinance at a lower rate. http://nyti.ms/dMvHOtCreated a rating system for colleges, so that those applying for student financial aid know better what they’re paying for. http://bit.ly/14Dn7ULRestored the Adult View on Science and TechnologyCreated a Presidential Memorandum to restore scientific integrity in government decision-making. http://1.usa.gov/g2SDuwOpened up the process for fast-tracking patent approval for green energy projects.http://bit.ly/j0KV2UThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, committed more federal funding, about $18 billion, to support non-defense science and research labs. http://nyti.ms/fTs9t7Obama EPA reversed research ethics standards which allowed humans to be used as “guinea pigs” in tests of the effects of chemicals, to comply with numerous codes of medical ethics. http://bit.ly/bKgqdSConducted a cyberspace policy review. http://1.usa.gov/gmbdvCProvided financial support for private sector space programs. http://bit.ly/fn8ucrOversaw enhanced earth mapping, to provide valuable data for agricultural, educational, scientific, and government use. http://bit.ly/dNTRyPThrough American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provided $500 million for Health Professions Training Programs. http://bit.ly/ecQSgAIncreased funding for community-based prevention programs. http://bit.ly/frMPG3Expanded space exploration and discovery options to include more players.http://1.usa.gov/13qmZpmThrough the Connect America Fund, pushed through and received FCC approval for a move of $8 billion in subsidies away from telephone landlines to assist lower-income rural families in accessing broadband. http://lat.ms/vhRUEs http://bit.ly/129V3SYIn the wake of the West Fertilizer tragedy, formed the Chemical Safety and Security Working Group, to work on measures to prevent another such events.http://1.usa.gov/18kHSlAEstablished a Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, a recommendation made by the 9/11 Commission, to coordinate efforts to fight cyber-crime and terrorism. http://1.usa.gov/1A0aEoSThe Obama FCC, with his leadership, adopted strong net neutrality rules, to keep the Internet open and equal for everyone. http://fcc.us/1MhTlIAOrdered rules to speed up deployment of a more comprehensive broadband infrastructure.http://1.usa.gov/M7rVpeSet up a National Strategic Computing Initiative, to “maximize benefits of high-performance computing (HPC) research, development, and deployment.” http://1.usa.gov/1IN3FZaOrdered a federal level change in national earthquake standards.http://1.usa.gov/1T5wGoRImproved Our HealthEliminated Bush-era restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, and provided increased federal support for biomedical and stem cell research. http://bit.ly/h36SSOhttp://ti.me/edezgeSigned Democratic-sponsored Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, the first comprehensive attempt to improve the lives of Americans living with paralysis.http://bit.ly/fOi2rbExpanded the Nurse-Family Partnership program, which provides home visits by trained registered nurses to low-income expectant mothers and their families, to cover more first-time mothers. http://bit.ly/jRRRJc\Along with Democrats in Congress, ushered through and signed a bill authorizing FDA to regulate tobacco and order tobacco companies to disclose their ingredients and to ban cigarettes falsely labeled as “light.” http://on.msnbc.com/fiKViBHas overseen a 50% decrease in cost of prescription drugs for seniors.http://bit.ly/e5b1iq http://1.usa.gov/fVNkt9Eliminated the Bush-era practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug companies on price. http://bit.ly/fOkG5bTwo weeks after taking office, signed Democratic-sponsored Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which increased the number of children covered by health insurance by 4 million. http://bit.ly/fDEzGvUrged Congress to investigate Anthem Blue Cross for raising premiums 39% without explanation. http://yhoo.it/e8Tj9CPushed through and signed Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage greatly and ended many detrimental insurance company practices. He also established Get 2016 health coverage. Health Insurance Marketplace . http://www.healthcare.gov/Through ACA, allowed children to be covered under their parents’ policy until they turned 26. http://nyti.ms/fNB26VThrough the ACA, provided tax breaks to allow 3.5 million small businesses to provide health insurance to their employees. http://nyti.ms/fNB26VThrough the ACA, millions of people receive help in paying their health insurance company premiums. http://nyti.ms/fNB26VThrough the ACA, expanded Medicaid to those making up to 133% of the federal poverty level. http://nyti.ms/ekMWpo (Note: except for those states whose Republicans refused to take the extra money.)By 2014, the Affordable Care Act dropped the number of uninsured Americans by 22.3%, which amounts to more than 10.3 million people with insurance who didn’t have it before. Only 13.9% of Americans are uninsured, a drop from 18.9% in 2013. http://on.msnbc.com/1r4kjGnThe Affordable Care Act has increased the life expectancy of Medicare greatly.http://on.wsj.com/1yuNco6Through the ACA, health insurance companies now have to disclose how much of your premium actually goes to pay for patient care. http://nyti.ms/fNB26VMedicare costs actually declined slightly, for the first time in decades in 2011, according to the Congressional Budget Office. http://1.usa.gov/oMxpThSince passage of the ACA, health care inflation is at its lowest level since 1960.http://1.usa.gov/1vXR0LdCreated the HIV Care Continuum Initiative, to strengthen the government’s ability to respond to the continuing domestic HIV epidemic, after years of Republicans weakening the government’s ability to deal with the crisis. http://1.usa.gov/1iLED0tSigned bill that will provide health insurance premium support to workers who lose their health insurance due to foreign competition. http://bit.ly/1evvVDFIn response to the confusion triggered by the asinine Hobby Lobby decision, which essentially declared that corporations could have “religious rights” and lord them over employees, created new rules to give all women with insurance the right to free birth control. http://on.wsj.com/1O44a1tImplemented the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for 2015-2020, which is a follow-up to the first such strategy in US history, which he implemented in 2010. http://1.usa.gov/1IXknHmSigned and will implement new child safety standards for e-cigarettes.http://bit.ly/1XaFCISSet up a White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force, in order to implement ways to develop a cure for cancer. http://1.usa.gov/20AeKY4Addressed the Environment While Dealing with Energy NeedsDoubled federal spending on clean energy research. http://bit.ly/iN0sCEPushed through a tax credit to help people buy plug-in hybrid cars. http://bit.ly/j8UP5YCreated a program to develop renewable energy projects on the waters of our Outer Continental Shelf that will produce electricity from wind, wave, and ocean currents.http://1.usa.gov/fgfRWqReengaged in the climate change and greenhouse gas emissions agreements talks, and proposed one himself. He also addressed the U.N. Climate Change Conference, officially reversing the Bush era stance that climate change was a “hoax.” http://bit.ly/dX6Vj3 http://bit.ly/fE2PxK http://nyti.ms/hfeqvvFully supported the initial phase of the creation of a legally-binding treaty to reduce mercury emissions worldwide. http://bit.ly/eJ6QOORequired states to provide incentives to utilities to reduce their energy consumption. http://bit.ly/lBhk7PUnder Obama, our dependence on foreign oil has dropped to its lowest rate since 1985, and continues to drop. http://1.usa.gov/1p6kTUyMeanwhile, oil consumption is way down because of reduced driving and higher mileage standards. http://ti.me/1z4HFG8Improved siting, review and permitting stations for power plants, in an attempt to seriously improve the nation’s electric grid. http://1.usa.gov/1l8zNqnReengaged in a number of treaties and agreements designed to protect the Antarctic.http://bit.ly/fzQUFOCreated tax write-offs for purchases of hybrid and electric vehicles. http://bit.ly/glCukVEstablished a quadrennial review of our energy infrastructure, to encourage a modernization of the grid, and to encourage the transition away from fossil fuel use. http://1.usa.gov/1nx2oMoMandated that federal government fleet purchases be for fuel-efficient American vehicles, and encouraged that federal agencies support experimental, fuel-efficient vehicles.http://1.usa.gov/hmUSbk http://1.usa.gov/fLWq5chttp://bit.ly/h5KZqyEncouraged BP to pay $20 billion to establish Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, to reduce the need for taxpayer funds to be used for compensation and clean up.http://wapo.st/ds2BxT (Note: it took 20 years to get $1.3 billion for the Exxon Valdez spill. )Oversaw and pushed through an amendment to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 authorizing advances from Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.http://1.usa.gov/yTRYVoActively tried to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to eliminate the liability limits for those companies responsible for large oil spills. http://nyti.ms/bxjDi3Became the first President to simply say “Climate Change is a fact,” and set up the first federal government protocols for dealing with the impacts of climate change. http://1.usa.gov/1b7V67BInitiated Criminal and Civil inquiries into the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.http://nyti.ms/bVuB7aAsserted federal legal supremacy to bar Texas from authorizing new refinery permits on its own.http://bit.ly/ww8eMdSet up new, stricter standards limiting power plant emissions. http://1.usa.gov/1mML2M3Strengthened the Endangered Species Act. http://bit.ly/hscjsHStrengthened protection for wildlife, and expanded enforcement of laws against wildlife trafficking. http://1.usa.gov/1fce1AiObama EPA improved boiler safety standards to improve air quality, and save 6500 lives per year. http://bit.ly/jYH7ntThrough the EPA, attemped to take steps to severely limit the use of antibiotics in livestock feed, to increase their efficacy in humans. http://bit.ly/fBuWd2Through new EPA regulations, he created a pretext for closing the dirtiest power plants in the country, by limiting emissions of mercury and other toxic gasses. http://bit.ly/rQCIgAIncreased funding for National Parks and Forests by 10% http://bit.ly/fbJPjYAnnounced greatly improved commercial fuel efficiency standards.http://1.usa.gov/oQiC1KAnnounced a huge increase in average fuel economy standards from 27.5mpg in 2010 to 35.5mpg starting in 2016 and 54.5 starting in 2025 http://1.usa.gov/qtghsWFacilitated investment in industrial energy efficiency to create jobs and strengthen US manufacturing while saving businesses $100 billion over a decade.http://1.usa.gov/WsIgbxSet up the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to oversee Gulf Coast restoration efforts after the 2010 BP oil spill. The money to fund the restoration efforts comes from fines against BP. http://1.usa.gov/Rxjb29Engaged in the most comprehensive plan to combat climate change in a generation.http://bit.ly/13lXhETOrdered energy plants to prepare to produce at least 15% of all energy through renewable resources like wind and solar, by 2021. http://reut.rs/fV155pOversaw the creation of an initiative that converts old factories and manufacturing centers into new clean technology centers. http://bit.ly/mjnq2RGuided a 418% increase in solar power capacity between 2010 and 2014. http://bit.ly/1rHkWJCAs of May 2015, 74% of new electrical capacity was provided by solar and wind power. http://bit.ly/1T5r0LCBypassed Congress and ordered EPA to begin regulating and measuring carbon emissions.http://bit.ly/froaP5Oversaw a tripling in the use of wind power to generate electricity. The US now leads the world in increased wind power capacity. http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5448Ordered the federal government to incorporate climate resilience and climate science into all international development in which the United States engages. http://1.usa.gov/YV1EpWFast-tracked regulations to allow states to enact fuel efficiency standards that exceeded federal standards. http://nyti.ms/e8e94xFast-tracked increased fuel economy standards for vehicles beginning with the 2011 model year. It was the first time such standards had been increased in more than a decade.http://politi.co/hiaPKMOversaw establishment of an Energy Partnership for the Americas, to create more markets for American-made biofuels and green energy technologies. http://bit.ly/lZp73yObama EPA reversed a Bush-era decision to allow the largest mountaintop removal project in US history. http://bit.ly/lP3yELOrdered the Department of Energy to implement more aggressive efficiency standards for common household appliances. http://1.usa.gov/g3MTbuObama EPA ruled that excess CO2 is a pollutant. http://bit.ly/iQTSNNClosed a deal with China to limit carbon emissions to slow down climate change. http://nyti.ms/1xzyS8KBlocked all oil and gas drilling in Bristol Bay, Alaska, one of the most pristine environments in North America http://lat.ms/13xUVFDSigned an Executive Order to improve environmental efforts in the Arctic region and to combat climate change by better coordinating the efforts of the 23 federal agencies operating in the area. http://usat.ly/ZEzLzEVetoed a bill to fast track construction of the parallel Keystone XL pipeline.http://nbcnews.to/1DVDFo7Expanded clean water regulations to more stringently protect all of the nation’s waterways, even when states fail in their duty. http://bit.ly/1RdQpTcSigned an Executive Order committing the federal government to lead the way in building a sustainable economy. It’s his fifth doing just that. http://1.usa.gov/1EzO2neBanned the use of antibiotics in food served in US Government-run cafeterias and ordered agencies to only use antibiotic-free meat. http://bit.ly/1G1vUxi http://bit.ly/1KHkl4NDeveloped new rules to address climate change and to create a significant boost to clean energy. http://bit.ly/1UnQcuRNegotiated and signed a virtually Republican-Proof global agreement on climate change, with 190 countries signing on. http://bit.ly/1RkjVG8Became one of 196 countries that signed onto a UN Framework on Climate Change.http://unfccc.int/2860.phpOrdered a moratorium on new coal leasing on federal land, and they will examine the whole leasing process. http://wapo.st/23Q6en8There’s a Lot More!Nominated Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic Justice in the court’s history, and the women represent only the third and fourth women to serve on the court, out of a total of 112 justices.http://huff.to/eOChg6http://bit.ly/i02wgPAppointed the most diverse Cabinet in history, including more women than any other incoming president. http://bit.ly/dX6vNBLoosened the rules and allowed the 14 states that legalized medical marijuana to regulate themselves without federal interference. http://huff.to/eQfa7jSigned national service legislation, increasing funding for national service groups, including triple the size of the Americorps program. http://bit.ly/idgQH5Signed a bill that provided $4.3 billion in additional assistance to 9/11 first responders.http://bit.ly/o7cWYSSigned the Claims Resolution Act, which provided $4.6 billion in funding for a legal settlement with black and Native American farmers who had been cheated out of government loans and natural resource royalties in the past. http://1.usa.gov/dGppUaTo help those communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy, issued an executive order setting up the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, and asked Congress to approve $60 billion in supplemental assistance to aid in storm recovery. http://1.usa.gov/134L7hlProduced 23 Executive actions designed to make it easier for law enforcement to identify those who shouldn’t have guns, thus helping them enforce the law.http://on.wsj.com/SX9xaZExpanded trade agreements to include stricter labor and environmental agreements in trade pacts like NAFTA. http://bit.ly/etznpYOversaw funding of the design of a new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, which is scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015. He protected the funding during budget negotiations.http://on.fb.me/fD0EVO http://bit.ly/ff5LuvOversaw and passed increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.http://bit.ly/dFb8qF”And Did You Know?Despite the characterizations of some, Obama’s success rate in winning congressional votes on issues was an unprecedented 96.7% for his first year in office. Though he is often cited as superior to Obama, President Lyndon Johnson’s success rate in 1965 was only 93%.http://n.pr/i3d7cYAnd of course…Despite the odds, became the first black president, and then was reelected by a wide margin of the population.

Entrepreneurs’ Guide to Applying for SBA FinancingThe SBA loan is a great solution if you have a 680 ++ FICO score and are looking for a significant amount to grow your business since we approve up to 20% of your gross revenue.Do you want one of the best ways to get the working capital you need for managing cash flow?There is no question it is the SBA loan.Why are these so great?The SBA is a great solution if you are looking for small monthly payments since this business loan goes out ten years.How are the SBA lenders able to do this?The Small Business Administration is a Federal Agency that partially guarantees these loans.If these SBA Loans are so great, why doesn’t everyone apply?The biggest deterrent is the requirements. They are tough. There is a ton of paperwork. My guesstimate is that you will invest about 28 hours of time to get it all together.On top of that, you must meet the underwriting criteria of the lender. While we offer a quick start loan, it is not uncommon for the funding to take months. Combine that with the fact that certain businesses are ineligible.How are the SBA loan rates so low?This loan does have Personal Guarantees (PG) – that is how you receive the low-interest rate. You must have personal collateral and assets to pledge plus have “skin” in the game. Assets can include residential or commercial real estate, equipment, and cash equivalents like money market, savings account or checking account.Do You Want to Refinance Your Outstanding Business Debt?SBA debt consolidation loans are a great option. Imagine significantly reducing your payments. Those massive, unwieldy debts that crush cash flow and make day to day operations challenges can be a thing of the past.RefinanceHigh-interest credit cardsAny daily or weekly business loans, fixed or variable includingShort term business loansHigh-interest business loansConventional LoansBusiness or merchant cash advancesDo You Need Working Capital to Energize Your Business?If you need working capital and hate the short-term and high-interest loans, this is for you. Imagine if you can qualify for an SBA and deal direct with an SBA lender and not have to go through the challenge of applying directly at a bank. We all know banks do not make it easy.What can I do with the funds?Here are six quick ways you can use the capital provided by an SBA loan. They include:Bulk purchase of inventory (hopefully at a discount)Finance high debt and save, save, save (see above)Replaced outdated equipment or technologyBuild your team of employeesDay to day operationsKick-off long-term marketing and advertising programsThe list goes on and onHere is some unsolicited advice. In my opinion, it is wise to look to see what the Fortune 500 companies do with their debt. Most of these companies look to replace long-term debt with shorter-term debt vehicles.Why do they do this?There are several reasons. Primarily when they start, they tend to secure debt financing in the form of long-term bonds. This strategy is not available to the small business owner.Since they can raise capital through the debt (bond) markets, they do not need to go to banks per se. However, the borrowing parallel is still the same.Big corporation borrows long term and then look to replace that capital with short-term capital. Why do they do this?For what it is worth, in my honest opinion, it does not make sound financial sense to pay for an asset over the long-term that you no longer use today.What do I mean by this? Let’s look at it in several different ways.You buy a piece of equipment for your business. The lifespan of the equipment is 3 – 5 years. Do you take out a 10-year loan to finance it?Maybe, maybe not. The reason “for” is apparent. Small payments, cash management or managing cash flow. On the flip side, you might be paying a higher dollar rate and amount. Hence this is why the Fortune 500 companies retire their long-term obligations. Often it is at a much higher rate.However, I digress.The reason you do not want to borrow for longer than the life of the investment is that you will be paying for it long after you get rid of it.Does this make sense? Think about it.Most business owners that I speak with will present me with this argument. If I have a 10-year loan versus a shorter-term loan, my payments are much lower. I agree, and indeed they are.I would counter and suggest that a shorter-term loan tailored to meet that expense, in fact, maybe less expensive over the long term.Naturally, you need to be able to meet your cash flow requirements and to service the debt from the loan proceeds as well.Let’s use this example. You need $200,000. Your monthly payment for a 10-year SBA loan with an interest rate of 6.75% and APR of 8.26% is $2,296 (275,520).Let’s assume that you can get the same $200,000 at a rate of 1.35 for 24 months. Your total payments are $270,000. Of course, that monthly payment will be significantly more. However, you save over five thousand dollars, plus you are in a position to borrow again if you need more capital.My point is that you need to understand your numbers. Just because a rate is lower with a longer-term does not mean it is a better option for your business.In fact, even with the higher monthly payment and higher rate in the loan example above, once you have repaid fifty percent of the loan you are eligible to borrow more.Just to help you in your quest to secure the capital you need, let me put this in perspective.Problems with long-term debtCash FlowImpinges GrowthTies up Collateral and AssetsShifts in the economy make you more vulnerablePositives of long-term debtYou do not have to sell equity in your businessLow-interest ratesGrowth when the money is used to acquire a building or major piece of equipmentShifts in the economy make you more stableBig Benefits:Interest Rate of 6.25% to 7.25% (variable and based on the Prime Rate plus 2.75% to 3.75%) for working capitalInterest Rate for Commercial Real Estate Loans is Prime + 1.5%Terms are ten yearsMonthly PaymentsNo Prepayment PenaltyUse of funds for the growth of the business and to refinance current business loans, equipment loans, and business credit cards. You could also purchase Real Estate for the Business.Funding in 7 days if all paperwork is in right away. Typically, 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish.Funding Amount $100,000 up to $350,000 for working capitalFunding Amount $350,000 up to $5M to purchase Commercial Real Estate for the BusinessRequirements:680 ++ FICO Score with a good loan to debt ratio (not maxed out on debt)Sufficient business and personal cash flow to service all debt payments.No bankruptcies, judgments, or foreclosures in the last three yearsNo collections or open tax liensCurrent on any government loansMinimum 3 years in BusinessNeed all owners that are 20% or more on ApplicationNo Sole PropsSecured with a Blanket Lien on the Business Assets plus Personal GuaranteesApplying for an SBA Loan:Complete & Sign ApplicationBusiness Tax Returns – 3 years with interim P&LPersonal Tax Return – 3 years (all owners over 20% ownership)Business Debt Information – we will email you for this informationProfit and Loss Statement a.k.a. Income StatementBalance SheetCollateral 10% – 20%As soon as we receive ALL the above, we will have a pre-approval for you quickly. Incomplete submittals will create a delay in pre-approvals. We will then reach out to you with additional items needed. If all the paperwork is submitted, it can take seven business days to fund. Funding typically is completed within 4 to 6 weeks.Call us at 888.456.9223 for a free consultation to find the best fit for your small business loans at the best rate and terms.Essential Steps to Apply for an SBA LoanDo you know the four critical steps to apply for a Small Business Administration loan offered by banks and alternative SBA preferred lender and business loan lenders like Sunwise Capital through the Small Business Administration?If not this guide will give you an overview of the process.Here are the multiple steps you need to take to apply for the SBA’s most popular kind of SBA small business loans: the SBA 7a loan program.You will also find the details that you need if you are leaning towards securing an SBA 504 business loan for your business.#1. Check if you are eligible to apply for a small business loan through the SBA program.For the SBA’s financial partners to approve your small business loan application, you will, of course, need to provide ample proof that you can comply with the terms of your business loan agreement. For you to do that, you need the following:680+ FICO scoreCollateral10% – 20% down paymentProof that your business has been running for at least two yearsMoreover, proof that your business is profitableAside from these requirements, your company also needs to fit in certain categories. First off, is your venture classified as a small business? According to the U.S. Government, this means that your company should have no more than 500 employees.Plus, to qualify for an SBA, your annual revenue should not exceed $7.5 M. You need to provide proof that you will be using the small business loan for general business purposes.#2. Locate an SBA LenderWith your requirements at hand, the next thing you must do is to find the banks or lenders that offer small business loans through the SBA program.Sunwise Capital has a direct relationship with a nationwide top 5 preferred SBA Lender. This lender specializes in SBA 7(a), and SBA 504 loans. There is no shopping. You are dealing direct.The SBA website has an easy-to-use bank search function that you can use for this purpose. There are more than 100 small business lenders listed.It would be credit-wise to work with a lender like Sunwise Capital who is known to provide small business loans with the SBA. You will have a smoother and faster application process and a higher approval rate.We are pros at working with small business owners like yourself. We see hundreds of loan applications per month.When you go to the bank, you start dealing with the Business Account Manager. If you are lucky, this is someone who is out of school for at least a year. They never owned a business, and there is less of a chance they understand your business.Their job is to tell you “yes,” we can get you approved. That is so you do not get aggravated and close your account and move it to a competitor’s bank.According to a study done by Harvard University, the average business owner will visit 2.8 banks trying to get a loan.The coup de gras is that if you return to the original banks where you started. You guessed it; you have a new account manager.How do I know this to be true? Over twenty years as a small business owner and entrepreneur. I can tell you personally, “Been there, done that.”#3. Do the PaperworkYou need to put together different documents that will prove that you are qualified for the SBA small business loans that lender of choice offers.Sunwise Capital will work with you and provide you with the necessary list of documents and help you each step of the way.You will also need a separate set of documents if you are planning to acquire an existing business.In most cases, you also need to present a comprehensive business plan, which will outline your financial projections for the next two years.#4. Fill Out the SBA FormsThe forms are not like March Madness and filling out your brackets.The SBA requires applicants to fill out forms that contain information about the business and the function they intend the funds to play.Do you need to get copies of these forms? You can either go to the SBA directly or Sunwise Capital if you want a hassle-free experience.Once you have the documents completed, you get to speak with your small business lender.If you do not want that hassle, at Sunwise capital, we can get you a pre-approval in under 10 minutes. Then if it makes sense, you fill out the complicated paperwork.Most applications for small business loans with the banks take anywhere from one to two weeks for that pre-approval and many more weeks for funding.Upon approval, you will undergo a closing process, the length of which varies depending on the terms of your loan. It is not unusual for the banks to take up to ninety days from start to finish.If you do not meet the requirements for the SBA loan or you need your small business loan to fund quickly, you can get approved in 24 hours with us.We have all the information you need to get a small business loan for your business up to $2M.SBA Loans Can Increase Your BusinessGetting approvals for your small business loans are what you want to get when you ask for it. Unfortunately, it is not that easy, especially when trying to secure Small Business Administration Loans.Virtually all businesses want or need more capital. This need for money is especially true with small businesses striving to survive alongside the big and mature competitors in its industry.Whether your goal is a start-up, open a franchise or to grow and expand your existing business, it is worth knowing and learning about SBA Loans as a means of financing your business venture.Raising capital is a primary business function that helps in the financial management of your company. Having knowledge of what SBA Small Business Loans offer is beneficial for survival in the dynamic world of business.The Evolution of SBA LoansSBA Business Loans are one way to raise capital targeted for small businesses. The Small Business Administration guarantees the SBA Loans. However, they do not lend the money directly to you.The Small Business Administration provides a financial backstop to the lender. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan. They are a government agency. The SBA aims to hit two birds with one stone.First, by supporting the needs of small businesses in need of financing.Second, by reducing the risks of small business lenders, such as micro-lending institutions, local banks, and community development organizations, who administer the lending.SBA Loans are an alternative for those ineligible to get a loan directly from traditional bank lenders. The bank may pass on your loan if they perceive too much risk.What the SBA offers is an opportunity for the bank or lender to accept and approve your loan. They are willing to do this when the SBA is guaranteeing a percentage of the loan in the event of a default.These SBA loans are your target if you want a low-interest rate and varied lending options for your small business or non-profit organization.If this sounds appealing, then getting that approval should be worth a try. Here are the basics.There are eight different types of SBA programs for you to secure an SBA Business Loan.These types of SBA loans include:General Small Business LoanSBA Microloan ProgramReal Estate LoansEquipment Financing LoansDisaster LoansSBA Express Loan ProgramCAPLinesHUBZone Program1. The General Small Business Loan or 7a is the most common loan. A start-up company or small business to support its operations can use it. It can also be utilized by existing and established businesses for further growth, for working capital, inventory, equipment, and real estate. The maximum loan amount guarantee is up to $5 million or 75% of the total loan amount (whichever is less), and the loan terms can range from 10 to 25 years.2. The Microloan Programs originate from not-for-profit community-based organizations with experience in lending. This program is structured for small businesses and for nonprofit childcare centers that need funding. The minimum business loan is for $35,000. Please bear in mind that this SBA loan is not allowed to consolidate debt or to purchase real estate. What this accomplishes is it does open the door for those that couldn’t meet the credit standards from traditional lenders. If you have bad credit or less than perfect personal credit, check with your bank or lender to see if they will consider an SBA Loan with bad credit.3. The Real Estate Loans or the SBA loan CDC/504 provides financing for commercial real estate loans. This 504 Loan is the SBA loan to choose if your business is looking for growth and expansion.4. The Equipment Loans or the SBA loan CDC/504 provides financing for equipment as well as real estate. It is the same as above.5. The SBA Disaster Loans is when a company, a non-profit organization, or a homeowner experiences damage to real estate, property, equipment, or inventory from a catastrophe or an unfortunate natural event. It is provided to assist in repair or replacement of the damaged item or property.6. The SBAExpress program is a specialized SBA loan, for amounts up to $350,000 or less, that offers express loans that offer fast processing.7. CAPLines is an SBA loan that provides a short-term credit line which is a business line of credit with a guarantee of up to $2 Million. It specializes in several other kinds of SBA loans depending on the business cycle or purpose of the loan.8. The HUBZone Program is an SBA loan designated for rural and urban development. There are grants, federal or state tax breaks, and other incentives that come with this SBA loan. One qualification, however, is your business’ ability to create new jobs in the community.The general features of the SBA Loans include requiring your business to be in existence for at least two years. It must have a minimum annual revenue of $50,000 and a 640+ credit score to be eligible for the loan. Moreover, a business that has filed for bankruptcy can be provided a loan after three years after the filing.The SBA Loan is not the easiest way to raise the capital required by your business, but it is one option that will help you get the necessary financing when all the other alternatives may not be at arm’s length.Sunwise Capital stands to help you secure the financing you need. You can speak to an underwriter directly to understand your small business loan options and get the help you need to understand the alternatives available to you.Why SBA Loans are BackIn one word, “optimism.” Small businesses and the individuals that own them are the backbones of the American economy. Whether it is an SBA loan for women or minority-owned businesses, the SBA stands to back these loans.We support all American businesses and their owners.The U.S. Small Business Administration or SBA gives business owners and merchants the opportunity to borrow money. This opportunity comes in the form of SBA loans.The money lent by the SBA bank or small business lender may is for any approved business purpose. It must be used 100% in the company.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSBelow are the most commonly asked questions about SBA loans. It talks about how a business owner can make the most out of the SBA loan program:Who Funds these SBA Loans?SBA stands for Small Business Administration. It is a federal agency. Its goal is to help and empower entrepreneurs. It enables them to take their business ventures to the next level. It does this by offering different small business loans. These SBA loans are advantageous to business owners who need a little help with their finances.Typically, the SBA loan is for growth or expansion. The issuing bank must initially approve the SBA loan. The business owner must apply for a small business loan according to the SBA loan program requirements.SBA loans are not implemented and provided by the Small Business Administration itself. These SBA loans are offered and processed by their lending partners.The SBA loans utilize federal finances to guarantee a certain portion of business owners’ small business loans. As a result, the banking institutions are more inclined to approve applications from small-scale entrepreneurs.In a nutshell, the SBA minimizes the risks for small business lenders. Remember, the SBA does not lend money directly, but it makes the approval process easier and smoother by reducing potential hazards that usually prevent small business loan lenders from dealing with entrepreneurs.What are the Pros and Cons of SBA Loans?The ProsIts main advantage is the fact that business owners can use it to fund virtually any kind of business need. Most business owners often use the money that they get from SBA loans to increase their capital, refinance debts from other institutions, purchase better equipment and machinery, and fund acquisition of competing businesses to name but a few.The payment terms offered by SBA loans are also better than the usual bank small business loan. Most entrepreneurs can take advantage of the SBA loans’ usually have low down payment options.Payment terms are also longer, and interest rates are known to be much less vs. other small business loans.The ConsWhat’s the downside? Completing the application process is usually longer and more tedious than the standard loan. That is because you need to file a separate set of requirements for the SBA. As a result, the time spent doing paperwork is longer.When dealing with the traditional lending institutions, the time spent waiting for your application approval is also quite a bit longer. You could easily be looking at 90 days if not more.Are there Different Kinds of SBA Loans?When applying for an SBA loan, consider three things – your business objectives, the size of your business, and the length of time that your enterprise has been in operation.The two most popular kinds are the SBA 7(a) loan and the SBA CDC/504 loan.The SBA 7(A) is the more traditional small business loan.The SBA CDC/504 loans work best for entrepreneurs who need funding for general business processes, like purchasing fixed assets, including machines or real estate.The SBA also offers a Microloan option, which perfectly suits business owners who need no more than $50,000.To know which kind of SBA loan best suits your needs and find the SBA loan options that offer the best terms, seek advice from local bank loan supervisors or qualified business loan lenders like Sunwise Capital.Aside from helping you determine which SBA loan will work best for your business, they can also assist you through the application process and the best loan type.Sunwise Capital can also provide you the assistance and information that you need whether you are planning to apply for an SBA loan, one of our term loans, unsecured small business loans or our merchant cash advances.

To help us better understand this process of creating a business plan, let’s take a look at the primary steps involved:1. Executive SummaryAlthough this is the first thing the reader will encounter in your business plan, it is often the last piece to be completed. As the SBA says, “This section briefly tells your reader where your company is, where you want to take it, and why your business idea will be successful.” A startup’s approach to an executive summary will differ from that of an established business. The SBA goes on to say,“If you are just starting a business, you won’t have as much information as an established company. Instead, focus on your experience and background as well as the decisions that led you to start this particular enterprise. Demonstrate that you have done thorough market analysis. Include information about a need or gap in your target market, and how your particular solutions can fill it. Convince the reader that you can succeed in your target market, then address your future plans.”2. Company DescriptionThis part outlines the different segments of the business. According to the SBA, this includes a description of how the products or services will satisfy the market needs. Katherine Arline of Business News Dailywrites that the company description should be considered to be “an extended elevator pitch.”“You want to thoroughly explain the goals of your business and how you will satisfy the needs of your market,” Arline says. “Your company description also explains the competitive advantages that you believe will make your business a success.”3. Market AnalysisA startup owner will need to demonstrate industry knowledge and have a firm grasp on the market size and potential market share, according to the SBA. This is where a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) comes in, which Kristie Lorette outlines in a story for Demand Media:Strengths: “Business strengths are factors that you can control,” she writes. “… Strengths may be the people you employ (their experience, education, credentials, etc.) in the business relationships you have with existing customers, or history (you’re one of the only providers of the product or service in your local area).”Weaknesses: “Weaknesses are also factors over which you have control, but are areas that you need to improve. Weaknesses are the factors holding your business back from gaining a competitive advantage. Some weaknesses include inexperience, the business location and access to resources such as cash.”Opportunities: “Opportunities are external to your business, the reasons your business exists or the need the business fulfills. Opportunities become results you will achieve through your marketing strategies.”Threats: “Threats are external forces beyond your control that you need to be aware of so you can make contingency plans. Threats may include poor economic conditions, bad publicity about your industry or business, laws and regulations or a change in consumer purchase behavior.”4. Organization and ManagementThis segment breaks down the structure of the business and includes an organization chart that shows the chain of command as well as details on the owners and business leadership. Here’s how the SBAdescribes it:“Who does what in your business? What is their background and why are you bringing them into the business as board members or employees? What are they responsible for? These may seem like unnecessary questions to answer in a one- or two-person organization, but the people reading your business plan want to know who’s in charge, so tell them. Give a detailed description of each division or department and its function. This section should include who’s on the board (if you have an advisory board) and how you intend to keep them there. What kind of salary and benefits package do you have for your people? What incentives are you offering? How about promotions? Reassure your reader that the people you have on staff are more than just names on a letterhead.”5. Service or Product LineThis is where the focus turns to what the business will actually produce. What is it, how does it work, what need does it fill and how does it benefit others? The SBA says this part should represent the benefits as perceived by the customer. Other elements to include in this section are the product’s advantages, its life cycle, and any details on copyrights, patents, research and legal agreements. Alyssa Gregory further details this for About.com:“The purpose of the products or services section of your business plan is to clearly express the benefits you’re providing to your customers or clients,” she writes. “All of the background you provide should focus on that goal. Think in terms of answering, ‘Why does my ideal client want this? How will my product or service make his/her life better, easier or more profitable?’”6. Marketing and SalesFor marketing, the SBA advises you include a description of potential market penetration and growth, along with channels of distribution and methods of communication with customers. For sales, you should describe the team, the training process, recruitment strategies and an analysis of sales prospects. Randy Duermyer writes about this for About.com, saying:“Those who are considering lending your small business money or investing will want to know how you intend to reach your target market and attain the market share you feel you can attain, which you’ve already discussed in the Market Analysis section of your business plan,” he says. “Your marketing plan will help them understand that. … If it applies to your business, outline your sales strategy in this section when you are writing a business plan. For example, will there be a sales force? Will sales training be provided? Will your sales team be given incentives to encourage them to increase sales and meet or exceed their goals?”7. Funding RequestHere is where any loan or financial assistance requests will be examined. The SBA recommends including current and future funding requirements, how the funds will be used and any other relevant financial strategies involved.“When you are outlining your funding requirements, include the amount you want now and the amount you want in the future,” the SBA says. “Also include the time period that each request will cover, the type of funding you would like to have (e.g., equity, debt), and the terms that you would like to have applied.”8. Financial ProjectionsCreditors will want to understand your financial expectations and projections, the SBA says, as well as an analysis of your finances that includes “a ratio and trend analysis for all of your financial statements (both historical and prospective).” Elizabeth Wasserman examines this for Inc.com:“The purpose of the financial section of a business plan is two-fold,” says Wasserman. “You’re going to need it if you are seeking investment from venture capitalists, angel investors or even smart family members. They are going to want to see numbers that say your business will grow — and quickly — and that there is an exit strategy for them on the horizon, during which they can make a profit. Any bank or lender will also ask to see these numbers as well to make sure you can repay your loan.”9. AppendixThe final section may include a variety of information that may be needed as supplemental material, according to the SBA, all of it being dependent on each unique scenario. This can include credit history, reference letters, licenses and permits, legal documents, building permits, contracts and a list of business consultants.