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NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger joined an invite-only call Friday with representatives from the National Economic Council (NEC), Small Business Administration (SBA) and other stakeholders focused on expanding SBA loan program access to small businesses most in need of assistance.

NEC Director Brian Deese and SBA Acting Administrator Tami Perriello provided insights into President Joe Biden's priorities to get assistance to small businesses in equitable and effective ways.

During the call, presenters discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen technical assistance to small business loan and grant program applicants. They shared how they are targeting outreach and support for minority-owned businesses and businesses in low-income and underserved areas by partnering with community-based groups.

NEC representatives also discussed the need to clearly communicate changes to ensure loan programs, such as the paycheck protection program (PPP), are implemented more effectively.

The PPP portal reopened to all lenders last week after the SBA provided dedicated processing windows for community financial institutions, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and minority depository institutions (MDIs), and smaller lenders.

NAFCU has consistently advocated for additional guidance and resources to ensure credit unions can lend effectively through the program. The association has touted credit unions' close relationships with their communities and efforts to provide loans to smaller businesses in need.