Webinar Recap: Helping Small Business Owners Find & Win Capital

People First Economy, Detroit Community Wealth Fund (DCWF), Center for Community-Based Enterprise (C2BE), and Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO) are a collective of MEDC’s SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative) Technical Assistance program grant, serving to provide capital for very small businesses (VBS) and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) as defined by the state of Michigan.  

This month, we explored pivotal topics in economic development through two enlightening webinars, focusing on the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0. These sessions offered a comprehensive look at how SSBCI 2.0 can transform local economies and support small businesses. Here’s a detailed recap of the insights shared in the presentations.

Part 1: State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

On the first day of this two-part series, Rachel Bakken, Senior Capital Project and Portfolio Manager at the MEDC, provided a thorough overview of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 program, which represents a significant advancement in supporting small businesses across the country. Rachel was joined by Roy Messing, Executive Director of MICEO for this session.

Key Takeaways:

1. What is SSBCI 2.0? SSBCI 2.0 is a federal program designed to enhance access to capital for small businesses. It builds upon the original SSBCI by providing increased funding and more flexible options for state-level programs aimed at boosting small business growth and economic development.
2. Objectives and Goals: The initiative seeks to support businesses that face challenges accessing traditional capital sources. Its primary goals include increasing small business financing, fostering job creation, and promoting economic growth in underserved areas.
3. Funding and Allocation: SSBCI 2.0 allocates significant funds to states, which are then used to support various credit programs, including loan guarantees and equity investments. The funding structure is designed to be flexible, allowing states to tailor their approaches to local needs and opportunities.
4. Program Components: Key components of SSBCI 2.0 include:
   • Equity Investments: Providing capital to small businesses in exchange for ownership stakes.
   • Loan Guarantees: Offering guarantees to lenders to mitigate risks associated with lending to small businesses.
   • Technical Assistance: Supporting businesses with resources and expertise to help them navigate funding processes and grow sustainably.
5. Implementation Strategies: States are encouraged to develop innovative programs and partnerships to maximize the impact of SSBCI 2.0. This includes leveraging existing local networks, collaborating with financial institutions, and focusing on sectors that can drive regional growth.

Watch the full session here:

Deep Dive into SSBCI 2.0 Implementation: Insights from Part 2

On day two, our partners—Roy Messing from MICEO, Karen Tyler-Ruiz from C2BE, and Keyanna Silverman-Maddox from DCWF—provided a deeper dive into the implementation strategies and practical applications of SSBCI 2.0. This session was crucial for understanding how the program translates into actionable steps for economic development practitioners and small business advocates.

Key Takeaways:

1. Best Practices for Implementation: Successful implementation of SSBCI 2.0 involves several best practices:
   • Strategic Planning: Develop a clear strategy for how the funds will be used, focusing on areas with the greatest potential for impact.
   • Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with local stakeholders, including business owners, community leaders, and financial institutions, to ensure alignment and support for the initiatives.
   • Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish metrics for tracking the success of the programs and regularly assess performance to make necessary adjustments.
2. Case Studies and Success Stories: The webinar highlighted several case studies demonstrating successful applications of SSBCI funding. These examples provided insights into how different states have utilized the funds to support diverse business sectors and achieve significant economic outcomes.
3. Overcoming Challenges: Common challenges in implementing SSBCI 2.0 programs include navigating regulatory requirements, ensuring equitable distribution of funds, and addressing gaps in local infrastructure. The webinar provided strategies for overcoming these obstacles, such as streamlined application processes and targeted outreach efforts.
4. Future Outlook: Looking ahead, SSBCI 2.0 is expected to continue evolving as more states implement and refine their programs. Future opportunities include expanding funding availability, enhancing program flexibility, and increasing collaboration between public and private sectors to drive broader economic impact.
5. Resources and Support: The webinar concluded with a discussion on available resources for those involved in SSBCI 2.0 initiatives, including technical assistance programs, networking opportunities, and tools for program management and evaluation.

Watch the full session here:

The SSBCI 2.0 webinars provided invaluable insights into how this initiative can transform local economies and support small businesses. By understanding the objectives, funding mechanisms, and implementation strategies of SSBCI 2.0, stakeholders can better harness its potential to drive economic growth and foster innovation in their communities.

For those interested in exploring these topics further, the full slide decks and recordings are available for review:

• Day 1 Slide Deck: MEDC SSBCI 2.0 Overview
• Day 1 Recording
• Day 2 Slide Deck: SSBCI Webinar Part 2
• Day 2 Recording

These resources offer detailed information and practical guidance for leveraging SSBCI 2.0 to achieve meaningful economic development outcomes. To get access these resources and get connected to our partners, start here today!