PORTFOLIO The SBA 7(a) loan program makes it easier for community banks to help small businesses achieve their potential. Checks and Balances By Steve Keen, ICBA Safeguarding SBA A new law prevents disruptions to the SBA 7(a) lending program. The hits just keep on coming in Washington for community banks. With regulators implementing ICBA-advocated regulatory relief, policymakers have meanwhile approved pro-community bank reforms to strengthen the Small Business Administration 7(a) program. The SBA 7(a) loan program allows community banks to leverage their unique underwriting skills to more eff ectively serve the small businesses in their communities. Community banks use the 42 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q August 2018 program to provide credit to a broader range of borrowers who would not qualify for a conventional loan while ensuring sound underwriting. Qualifying entrepreneurs can apply for 7(a) loans if they can demonstrate a need for funds, have a sound business purpose and have tried to use other fi nancial resources. Steve Keen (steve.keen@ icba.org) is ICBA vice president of congressional relations While the 7(a) program is popular with many community banks, it has experienced disruptions. In 2015, the program reached its legal lending limit, which is authorized by Congress. While the program is fully funded by user fees-not taxpayer dollars- lawmakers must approve a program authorization