Chatham Business Association Small Business Development, Inc. (“CBA”) is an approved SBA Technical Assistance Provider. CBA has a Service Loan Agreements with U.S. Bank that provide loans of up to $25,000 for non-traditional small business owners, women, veterans and businesses located within LMI and other specially designated areas. The Initiative is supported by CBA’s ongoing workshops and technical assistance component. The Chatham SBA NOW Community Lending initiative is a loan readiness and small business development project of CBA Small Business Development, Inc in partnership with Chicago area financial institutions and small business development intermediaries. 
 

The goal of the Chatham SBA Community Lending initiative is to strengthen the capacity of the CBA members and businesses to successfully prepare and apply for lending opportunities that will result in business, community and economic viability and sustainability for all Chatham. 

Program: The Chatham SBA Community Lending Initiative engages a “one-stop” approach and strategy to addressing the lending and technical assistance needs of its members and community businesses who are seeking lending and investment opportunities in Chatham. 

Project Goal: To review, assess and assist businesses and members of CBA to leverage banking, lending and investment opportunities provided by member financial institutional partners that will improve, expand and sustain economic retention and expansion in the Chatham community. 

Objective: CBA was chosen as one of six non-for-profits as a Microlender Trainee Candidate by the Chicago Micro Lending Institute. CBA has begun training by CMI partner, Accion, and will use micro lending as means to provide customized technical assistance consultations in core aspects of small business development and loan readiness.