SEMINAR: HOW TO GET A BUSINESS LOAN

Saturday - 11 October 2008 ( 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. )

Registration FREE

Every person starting a business or running a small business has had to go through the trauma...How Do I Get A Business Loan? It is probably the single most important step in getting their business on firm ground; yet "The Right Way" is a complete unknown to most of us. How do I approach the lender? What does he want me to bring? How can I make the meeting a perfect meeting?

This seminar is designed to replace the small business person's concern and fear with the confidence that he (and she) has it "all together".

Issues we will cover include:

• Are all lenders the same?
• How does a loan officer evaluate a loan request?
• What are the procedures of the loaning activity?
• What is the "risk evaluation process"?
• How long does the process take?
• Who makes the decision?
• What does a lender want in a Business Plan?
• What are the key financials a lender requires?
• How can I lower my risk?
• How much collateral do I need?
• How much must I invest in my start-up?
• Are there loan activities that recognize the special needs of minorities, women and veterans?

Our program features two speakers you can't afford to miss:

RAY MANUEL is the Lending and Credit Analyst with the Women's Business Center in Fayetteville. The Women's Business Center provides assistance to new and existing business owners (of all genders) in all phases of start-up and expansion. The Center, in conjunction with Self-Help Credit Union, administers the SBA's Community Express Loan Program in this area. Ray will discuss in detail the four programs under this umbrella: Business Loan Express, Innovative Bank, Superior Financial Group and Self-Help Credit Union. These loan programs have unique properties geared to small businesses and take a different approach to the small business person than most conventional lenders.

The loans discussed are especially directed to the small business community and should be fully understood by all small business owners. They represent a unique set of alternatives to the "regular" business loan.

PATRICK MACKIE is a Business Banker with FIRST CITIZENS in Pinehurst. He serves as the primary contact and financial advisor for business clients with loan needs up to $1,000,000. Patrick graduated from Appalachian State University with Honors having double majored in Economics and Management. Joining FIRST CITIZENS in their Banker Development program, he spent one year in Sanford before relocating to Pinehurst in 2006. He will cover the banker's perspective in judging requests for loans and will review the new SBA program for veterans - Patriot Express.

Quotes from prior attendees: