State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) strengthens lending to Georgia small businesses with $199.6 million in federal funds, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and GHFA. Small business owners apply with an approved lender, which underwrites the loan, sets the rate and terms, and chooses the SSBCI program to use: loan participation (the state buys up to 25% of the loan, or 30% from a CDFI bank), a 50% credit guaranty, or CDFI companion loans. Invest Georgia also runs SSBCI venture capital and equity programs. Loans go to owner-occupied businesses with 500 or fewer employees, with outreach to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people and to very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Borrowers must be reasonably creditworthy, and passive real estate investments don't qualify. SSBCI does not offer grants. The UGA Small Business Development Center gives free help with business plans and documents. Email the SSBCI Program Manager for help finding a lender.