Mike Vlacich

Regional Administrator

New England Regional Office

U.S. Small Business Administration

Recently, we turned the last page on our calendar and entered 2022, the second time we reached the end of the year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we look back on record economic growth and job creation(a record 6.4 million US jobs) this past year even amidst pandemic driven difficulties, we continue to stay vigilant tackling new challenges while finding new opportunities for change and growth. 

As planned, on December 31, 2021, SBA stopped accepting new applications for our COVID-Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.  Over the last 2 years, this program has served as a lifeline for small businesses across New England and across the country. Over the course of the program, over 143,714 entities received loans for $12.9 billion.  COVID-EIDL was designed to provide economic relief to businesses that were experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19.  Although this program is no longer open to new applicants, there is still opportunity for existing borrowers to request more funds. You can read more about COVID-EIDL increases here: www.sba.gov/eidl.

Even with the closure of COVID-EIDL, the SBA is still here to help. Our traditional lending programs are a good option for established and startup small business owners.  Through our traditional lending programs, SBA works with lenders to provide loans by setting guidelines for loans made by our partnering lenders, community development organizations, and micro-lending institutions. We reduce the risk for lenders, which makes it easier for small businesses to get loans. You can find out more about our regular funding options here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.

Funding is only a piece of the SBA Story. We also offer business counseling, training, and management advice through our extensive resource partner network.

In January we celebrate National Mentoring Month.  This is a great time to reach out to one of our partners for business counseling. One of the best things you can do for your business, particularly in times of uncertainty, is seek out a business mentor.  In fact, over the last two years, our resource partners SCORE Mentors, Women’s Business Centers (WBOC), Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) have taken on an impactful role in assisting with our relief efforts by counseling our local businesses and helping them work through the challenges of operating a business during a pandemic and finding the financial assistance they need to survive and thrive.  You can search for an SBA resource partner near you here: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners.

Another opportunity for growth and recovery in 2022 is the Community Navigators Program.  Community Navigators, an American Rescue Plan initiative, is designed to reduce barriers that all small businesses, including those owned by disadvantaged groups such as veterans, women, and those from rural communities and communities of color, often face in accessing critical support.  There are five Community Navigators in New England, and we will work with them in the coming weeks as they get their programs off the ground. For additional information on SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program please visit www.sba.gov/navigators.   

As we continue in 2022, SBA is dedicated to the success of small businesses across New England and the entire country. Regardless of what comes your way during your journey as a small business owner, if it is times of turmoil and uncertainty or times of prosperity, the SBA is here to help you grow and change with new opportunities and resources at every stage. 

On January 14, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman made her first visit to New Hampshire since she was sworn in on March 17, 2021.  SBA New England Regional Administrator Mike Vlacich and SBA New Hampshire District Director Amy Bassett welcomed Administrator Guzman to the state.

The first stop was a visit to the Derry Opera House in Derry, New Hampshire with Senator Maggie Hassan and Congressman Chris Pappas. Derry Opera House was a Shuttered Venues Operator Grant recipient.  

Next the group walked down the street to The Grind Rail Trail Café. Café owner Melanie Davis was able to survive the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with support through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

The day concluded after, Administrator Guzman and Congressman Pappas traveled to Manchester to visit and tour the Palace Theatre President and CEO Peter Ramsey, Joyce Craig, Mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire and Mike Skelton, President, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. While at the Palace Theatre the group participated in a small business forum with local business owners. These small business forums are a great opportunity to hear the concerns, challenges and successes of the local business community.  The businesses also get to learn more about resources available for their continued growth.  

Since June 2021, Administrator Guzman has visited 22 states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. SBA New England and SBA New Hampshire were happy to host Administrator Guzman for the day and we are looking forward to future visits!