Why is this Topic Important to Wealth Managers? This blogticle presents discussion related to the State Small Business Credit which is now being applied for by an increasing number of states. The program is intended to provide capital to small businesses. Wealth managers with small business clients in these states should be mindful of the potential access to new capital.

Late last month the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the approval of State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) applications from Connecticut, Missouri, and Vermont. The planned use of SSBCI funds by these states is intended to help create new jobs and is expected to spur more than $534 million in additional small business lending. The SSBCI program, which supports state-level small business lending programs, is one component of the Small Business Jobs Act.

On September 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (the “Act”).[1] The Act created the SSBCI, which was funded with $1.5 billion to strengthen state programs that support lending to small businesses and small manufacturers. In total, the SSBCI is expected to help spur up to $15 billion in lending to small businesses.

Under the SSBCI, participating states will use the federal funds for programs that leverage private lending to help finance small businesses and manufacturers that are creditworthy, but are not getting the loans they need to expand and create jobs. The SSBCI will allow states to build on successful models for state small business programs, including collateral support programs, Capital Access Programs (CAPs) and loan guarantee programs.  Existing and new state programs are eligible for support under the SSBCI.

“These critical funds will help small businesses access the capital they need to expand their operations, create new jobs, and continue supporting our nation’s economic recovery,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “Public-private lending partnerships, such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative, have a proven track record of success, and I’m pleased that this funding is on its way to support economic growth in these states.”

Under the SSBCI, all states are offered the opportunity to apply for federal funds for state-run programs that partner with private lenders to increase the amount of credit available to small businesses. States must demonstrate a reasonable expectation that a minimum of $10 in new private lending will result from every $1 in federal funding. Accordingly, the $1.5 billion federal funding commitment for this program overall is expected to result in at least $15 billion in additional private lending nationwide.

Details on the applications approved earlier in March, which the states expect will generate a cumulative total of at least $534 million in new small business lending in Connecticut ($133 million), Missouri ($269 million), and Vermont ($132 million).

The Treasury has previously approved funding for SSBCI programs in California, Michigan, and North Carolina. Additional applications are expected to be approved in the coming weeks.

Next week’s blogticles will contain helpful tips for wealth managers.

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