Small Business Assistance Corporation

What Small Business Assistance Corporation does

Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and SBA-licensed Certified Development Company (CDC) founded in 1989 and headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. The organization provides direct loans and technical assistance to small businesses across a 58-county service area covering 53 counties in Southeast Georgia and five counties in the South Carolina Low Country. Its core product set spans SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate loans (up to $5.5M, 25-year terms, 10% down), SBA Community Advantage (7A) loans, SBA Microloans ($2,500-$50,000), USDA Rural loans, City of Savannah loans (4.00% in Incentive Zones, 6.50% outside), and specialized programs including Credit Builder ($1,000 at 0%), Trucking, Storm Recovery, and SSBCI loans. Underwriting is supported by SBA delegated authority for Community Advantage loans up to $350,000, an Apply+ online application portal built by Ventures Technologies, and a HubSpot-powered marketing/CRM stack.

SBAC's revenue model combines interest income on its loan portfolio with grant funding from federal (U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund, USDA, SBA), state (Georgia DCA), and municipal (City of Savannah) sources, plus technical assistance scholarships. The organization originates loans both directly and through a co-lending network with regional banks including Ameris Bank, TC Federal Bank, Queensborough Bank and Trust Co., Bank OZK, and First Citizens Bank, and receives referrals from SCORE, SBDC, and the Veterans Business Outreach Center. Annual grant inflows have ranged from $2.8M (2024) to $8.8M (2025), and loan origination volume has scaled from $9.14M in 2023 to $17.7M in 2025. Leadership transitioned in 2024 when Victoria Saxton became President & CEO following Tony O'Reilly's retirement after 34 years. The organization is governed by an independent board (Chair: Brendan Ferrara) and holds annual CDFI recertification with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Name

Small Business Assistance Corporation

Legal name

Small Business Assistance Corporation

Website

https://sbacsav.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Small Business Assistance Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CDFI founded in 1989 that provides SBA-backed loans, microloans, technical assistance, and credit-building support to small businesses across 53 counties in Southeast Georgia and 5 counties in the South Carolina Low Country.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Small Business Lending

NAICS

Other Nondepository Credit Intermediation (52229), Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (522)

SIC

Federal & Federally-Sponsored Credit Agencies (6111), Mortgage Bankers & Loan Correspondents (6162)

akta.pro primary industry

SBA/Government-Backed & Development Finance Loans (FSAKAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

SBA/USDA Government-Backed Loan Intermediation (FSAEAEAI), Construction & Development (C&D) Lending — Commercial/Multifamily (FSALADAH)

Keywords

• Small business lending
• SBA loan programs
• Microloan financing
• Commercial real estate loans
• Business technical assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Savannah

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Loan Interest Income: SBAC generates revenue through interest charged on loans provided to small businesses. Loan programs include SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loans (up to $5.5M), SBA Community Advantage 7A loans, SBA Microloans ($2,500-$50,000), USDA Rural Loans, City of Savannah Loans, and various other lending products.
2. Grant Funding: As a CDFI and nonprofit organization, SBAC receives grant funding from government sources including the U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund, USDA, SBA, and private foundations. In 2024, SBAC received over $2.8 million in grant funding; in 2025, SBAC secured $8.8 million in new grant funding.
3. Technical Assistance Fees: SBAC provides business advisory services and technical assistance to small business clients. The organization offers scholarships for technical assistance services through service providers covering accounting, marketing, legal, IT, insurance, and business consulting.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution that provides small business loans ranging from $1,000 microloans up to $5.5 million SBA 504 commercial real estate loans, along with technical assistance, business advisory services, and educational workshops, primarily to underserved businesses across 53 counties in Southeast Georgia and 5 counties in the South Carolina Low Country. Core loan programs include SBA 504, SBA Community Advantage 7A, SBA Microloans, USDA Rural Loans, City of Savannah Loans and Guaranties, Credit Builder Loans, Trucking Loans, Storm Recovery Loans, and SBAC Direct Loans, supported by a Service Provider scholarship program and free industry-specific workshops.

Product overview

Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that offers a comprehensive portfolio of loan programs and technical assistance services for small businesses in Southeast Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina. The core offerings center on SBA-backed financing programs including the SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loan (up to $5.5M), SBA Community Advantage/7A loans, SBA Microloans ($2,500-$50,000), and SBAC Direct loans. Additional programs include USDA Rural Loans, City of Savannah business loans and guaranties, specialized Trucking Loans, Storm Recovery Loans, and the Credit Builder Loan for credit-building purposes. Complementing the lending portfolio, SBAC provides Technical Assistance through its Service Provider Program and scholarships, Business Education Workshops across multiple industries, and an Apply+ online loan application portal. The organization serves as both a CDC (Certified Development Company) and CDFI, providing holistic support for underserved small business communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loan SBA 504 program financing commercial real estate up to $5.5 million with below-market fixed rates and long terms of 10, 20, or 25 years, requiring as little as 10% down. For small businesses purchasing owner-occupied commercial property in Southeast Georgia and the South Carolina Low Country.
• SBA Community Advantage (7A) Loan SBA 7A Community Advantage loan for startups and existing businesses seeking financing over $50,000. SBAC has in-house delegated authority to approve loans up to $350,000.
• SBAC Direct Loan Direct lending program for small businesses, including loans for refinancing and business expansion. For new and existing small businesses in SBAC's service area.
• Small Business Contract/Invoice Financing Financing option for businesses based on contracts or invoices to help with cash flow. For small businesses needing working capital tied to receivables.
• CAP Fund Capital access program providing funding support for small businesses.
• SBA Microloan SBA Microloan program providing smaller loans ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 for small businesses. For startups and smaller-dollar financing needs.
• Small Steps Loan Program Entry-level loan program helping businesses build credit to become eligible for larger loans, with amounts starting at $1,000.
• USDA Rural Loan (RMAP) USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program providing financing up to $150,000 for small businesses located in rural areas. For rural small businesses in SBAC's service region.
• City of Savannah Business Loan Business loan program for businesses within Savannah city limits, offering financing up to $150,000 with fixed rates (4.00% in Incentive Zones, 6.50% outside). Maximum term of 10 years.
• City of Savannah Business Loan Guaranty Loan guaranty program supporting businesses in Savannah by providing guarantees on loans from conventional lenders.
• Credit Builder Loan Credit building loan program with $1,000 amount, 0% interest rate, and 1-year term. For individuals and businesses with credit below 640 to help build credit for eligibility for larger loans.
• Trucking Loan Program Specialized financing program for trucking industry professionals to purchase trucks or finance logistics businesses, requiring 2 years CDL experience and other eligibility criteria.
• Storm Recovery Loan Program Emergency financing for small businesses impacted by storms or natural disasters to support recovery and rebuilding.
• SSBCI Loan State Small Business Credit Initiative loan paired with SBA Direct loans to help secure business locations.
• Service Provider Program Program connecting small businesses with service providers offering accounting, marketing, legal, IT, insurance, and business consulting services, with scholarships covering up to $500 per client.
• Business Assistance Scholarship Program Scholarship program providing aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals with resources and support to pursue their goals; 54 scholarships totaling over $90,000 issued in 2023, 28 totaling nearly $28,000 in 2024, and 46 totaling $98,705.44 in 2025.
• Business Education Workshops Educational and technical assistance workshops for small businesses including industry-specific series for childcare, cosmetology, trucking/logistics, professional cleaning, and general business topics. Free to attendees.
• PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) Lending COVID-19 emergency relief lending program funded under the federal Paycheck Protection Program; SBAC funded 572 loans totaling nearly $8 million with a 99% forgiveness rate, retaining over 1,400 jobs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2025: 79 loans totaling $17.7 million supporting 214 projects with $8.8 million in new grant funding
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Child Care Resource & Referral of Southeast GeorgiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2023SBAC partnered with Child Care Resource & Referral of Southeast Georgia to host free educational workshops for aspiring and existing businesses in the childcare industry.
• Small Business Development Center in Valdosta, GAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2023SBAC partnered with the SBDC in Valdosta, GA to provide industry-specific workshop content for the childcare industry workshop series.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBAC is a Certified Development Company (CDC) licensed by the SBA, enabling the organization to originate SBA 504 loans and participate in SBA 7A Community Advantage loan programs. In March 2023, SBAC received delegated authority to approve Community Advantage loans up to $350,000 in-house without SBA review, significantly reducing processing time.
• U.S. Department of the TreasurycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBAC is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This certification enables SBAC to access government programs and funding to provide small business loans and support services in underserved communities. SBAC completed annual CDFI recertification in 2024.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBAC is contracted by the USDA to promote rural small business development through financing and technical assistance, specifically through USDA Rural Loans and RMAP programs for businesses in rural areas.
• Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBAC is contracted by Georgia's DCA to promote small business development through financing and technical assistance across the state.
• City of SavannahcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBAC is contracted by the City of Savannah to execute loan financing and loan guarantee programs for businesses within city limits, with the primary goal of job creation and retention for low to moderate-income individuals.
• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVBOC connected Chad Montgomery (4 and 20 Bakers) with SBA loan programs through advisor Amanda Macdonald, who later became his business partner. VBOC serves as a referral source for veteran entrepreneurs to SBAC services.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSBAC partners with the UGA SBDC in Savannah for educational workshops including Digital Ads to Drive Sales. SBDC provides business counseling and serves as a referral source for small businesses seeking financing.
• SCOREmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSBAC partners with SCORE to provide mentorship and guidance to small business owners. SCORE mentors referred clients to SBAC for financing, including The British Pie Company which received guidance from SCORE and SBAC.
• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Savannah (CCCS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBAC partners with CCCS to provide free credit-building workshops helping individuals and small businesses rebuild or establish strong credit.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• LiftFund: LiftFund is a Texas-based nonprofit CDFI providing SBA microloans, SBA 504 loans, and small business loans to underserved entrepreneurs. Direct peer: both are mission-driven CDFI/CDC intermediaries operating SBA-backed loan programs with technical-assistance components for similar SMB/startup segments.
• DreamSpring: DreamSpring is a nonprofit CDFI providing microloans and small business loans (often SBA Microloan program) to entrepreneurs across the Southwest and nationally. Direct peer: comparable SBA Microloan intermediary model with technical assistance and CDFI-certification, serving similarly underserved borrowers.
• Grameen America: Grameen America is a nonprofit microfinance organization providing small business loans to low-income entrepreneurs, predominantly women, in underserved U.S. communities. Direct peer: nonprofit microlender serving very similar demographic segments (women, minority-owned, low-income entrepreneurs) with group-lending-style products.
• Justine Petersen Housing & Reinvestment Corporation: Justine Petersen is a St. Louis-based nonprofit CDFI providing SBA microloans, SBA 504 loans, and small business financing to underserved entrepreneurs. Direct peer: same CDFI/CDC structure, same SBA lending product set, same mission of capital access for unbanked SMBs, with technical-assistance wraparound.
• Pursuit (formerly CEED): Pursuit is a New York-based nonprofit CDFI/CDC providing SBA 504, SBA 7A Community Advantage, and microlending to underserved small businesses. Direct peer: near-identical SBA product stack and CDFI/CDC dual certifications serving similar SMB and minority-owned segments.
• BCL of Texas: BCL of Texas (Business & Community Lenders) is a nonprofit CDFI providing SBA 504 loans, microloans, and small business loans to underserved Texas entrepreneurs. Direct peer: identical CDFI/CDC intermediary model with SBA-backed product suite and technical-assistance services.

Broad incumbents

• Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF): CRF is one of the largest nonprofit CDFIs in the U.S., providing small business loans, SBA 504 lending, and capital solutions to mission-driven lenders and underserved businesses nationally. Broad incumbent: shares CDFI/SBA 504 orientation but operates at significantly larger scale and serves other CDFIs rather than only end borrowers.

Others

• Opportunity Finance Network (OFN): OFN is the national network of CDFIs, providing capital, policy advocacy, and capacity-building to member CDFIs including SBAC. Others: industry-association and capital-intermediary role rather than direct small-business lender, but a key funder/partner for SBAC's Treasury CDFI awards.

Regional players

• Carolina Small Business Development Fund: Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a North Carolina-based nonprofit CDFI providing small business loans and technical assistance to underserved entrepreneurs in the Carolinas. Regional peer: same CDFI/SBA lending model in adjacent geography; partial overlap in South Carolina Low Country service area.

Emerging players

• National Development Council: National Development Council is a nonprofit economic development organization providing SBA 504 packaging and small business lending support to CDCs across multiple states. Emerging player: shares the SBA 504 CDC intermediary role and target-borrower profile, but works through a network model rather than direct-to-borrower origination.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SmallBusinessAssistanceSav
• Facebookfacebook.com/SBACSAV
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/small-business-assistance-corporation
• Instagraminstagram.com/sbacsav

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Small Business Assistance Corporation