Bay Area entrepreneurs are passionate about reducing their carbon footprint at home as well as in business. But how can these environmental entrepreneurs make it known to unfamiliar customers that they too are doing their part? Obtain certification from the Bay Area Green Business Program.
Since 1997, the program has certified over 2,000 businesses, recognizing their commitment in water, energy, and waste reduction all while minimizing their carbon footprint.
The certification can also boost sales. Many Bay Area residents are not only environmentally responsible, but demonstrate social-responsibility by shopping and supporting local businesses. Customers also appreciate the environmental actions of a responsible entrepreneur.
To learn how your business may be green certified through this Bay Area county-wide partnership, visit www.greenbiz.ca.gov.
SBA Finance Assistance Scams
April 2010
The U.S. Small Business Administration is warning small businesses to use caution if they are contacted by firms offering to help them apply for funds available through SBA programs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is warning small businesses to use caution if they are contacted by firms offering to help them apply for funds available through SBA programs. SBA and SBA's Office of the Inspector General have received several complaints from small businesses about abusive marketing practices, scams, and exorbitant fees charged by firms offering to help them obtain a loan, grant, or other federal funds. Some of these complaints include:
Firms charging small businesses high fees to provide assistance applying to SBA funding programs. Some firms allegedly guaranteed that the small business would obtain SBA funding if they paid the fee. SBA does not endorse or give preference to specific private companies or their clients.
Firms charging small businesses for services never requested after the small business gave bank account and routing information to a caller claiming to be a firm offering assistance. SBA recommends that small businesses never provide social security numbers,bank account information, or credit card numbers to anyone; and, never over the telephone.
Firms alleging that a small business would be issued a "forfeiture letter" that would make the small business ineligible for any SBA funding for three years if the small business refused to use the firm's services. When electing to use a third party to apply for SBA funding programs, small businesses should also bear in mind:
Small businesses can get free assistance in person or by calling one of the administration's district offices and from information on SBA's Web site (www.sba.gov).
They can also get assistance from Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), Women's Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and SCORE Chapters, either free or for a reasonable fee. Location and contact information for the centers can be found on SBA's Web site.
Small businesses should ask for references and confer with trusted colleagues and institutions, such as the Better Business Bureau, when selecting service providers.
Small businesses should clearly establish and document:
1) What they are being charged
2) When they will be charged
3) What they must do
4) What services they will receive.
The administration's inspector general will investigate and respond to all complaints. Anyone with knowledge of a misrepresentation regarding SBA Business Loan Programs, or any other SBA program, is encouraged to call:
(415) 744-6820.
You also may submit a written fraud report and mail it to:
SBA
455 Market St. Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94105
ATTN: Lender Relations
Access to capital remains the biggest challenge facing San Francisco businesses. Unfortunately, the City’s small business closure rates increased by 62% from 2008 to 2009.
Having recognized these issues, OBDC Finance has expanded its lending territory to help bridge the financing needs of SF entrepreneurs.
The SBA Microloan is the most popular loan product OBDC Finance offers to SF-based businesses. With no closing costs or prepayment penalties and a turnaround time of 2-3 weeks, it remains an ideal loan for many startup and existing firms. To learn more, please click here.
To learn about other loans offered by OBDC Finance, please visit our Loan Products link.
OBDC Finance is now located in Old Oakland!
Effective March 1, 2010, OBDC Finance will be operating from its new offices in “Old Oakland.”
This historic downtown neighborhood is home to small business resource organizations including the East Bay SCORE and less than two blocks from the City of Oakland and Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Local markets and eateries include the Housewives Market, Pacific Coast & Brewery, Ratto’s Deli and Levende Restaurant. More information about Old Oakland can be found at http://oldoakland.org.
OBDC Finance is now located at:
| OBDC Small Business Finance | |
| 825 Washington Street | |
| Suite 200 | |
| Oakland, CA 94607 | |
| Phone: 510.763.4297 | |
| Fax: 510.763.1273 |
Dry Cleaning Facilities Seeking New Laundering Equipment may be Eligible for Specialized Loans
As early as July 1, 2010, California dry cleaning retailers will no longer be allowed to use perchloroethylene, forcing many garment cleaning facilities to purchase new laundering equipment to comply with state environmental guidelines. With OBDC Finance's Green Loan, dry cleaning facilities may be eligible for up to $85,000 to assist in this transition. Please call for additional details.
