FoundationCapital (formerly known as Birmingham CityWide Local Development Company)
FoundationCapital is designated as an intermediary for the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan program. This particular program issues loans for the purpose of purchasing fixed assets, land, buildings, machinery and equipment. Currently, it has over 154 outstanding loans in its portfolio.

Community Express Pilot Loan Program
The Community Express Pilot Loan Program is a collaborative effort between the SBA and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and its member organizations. Under the pilot, designated lenders are authorized to implement an SBA Express-like program to increase SBA lending to pre-designated geographic areas generally comprising Low and Moderate Income Areas (LMIs) and to women, minorities, and veterans. The program also includes a technical assistance component. Community Express complements the SBA Microloan program by providing financing to those businesses that fall between the parameters of SBA's Microloan program and conventional loan programs. Community Express represents a unique opportunity to expand existing partnerships and build new partnerships between participating lenders and community organizations.

"Lending Friends" Micro Loan
"Lending Friends", a BBRC micro loan program, is a financial intermediary to the SBA's micro lending program. As an intermediary, the BBRC has the ability to obtain funds from the SBA for the purpose of financing micro businesses. With the assistance of the SBA, the BBRC has extended its financing capabilities beyond the Birmigham city limits to include all of Jefferson County.

Birmingham Economic Development Administration Revolving Loan Fund (EDA)
The EDA loan program provides gap financing for businesses located within the Birmingham city limits. Loans are made to assist in acquiring and renovating land, buildings, machinery and equipment.

Technical Assistance Group (TAG)
TAG was added to the BBRC in order to provide counseling assistance to its clientele. Its primary service is to administer one-on-one counseling assistance to program participants encompassing those who are requesting financing. Other services include seminars, a self-directed learning center and entrepreneurial training. Since its start in 1996, TAG has assisted in excess of 2,000 clients comprised of both start-up and established entrepreneurs.

One on One Counseling
The consulting assistance includes business plan development, business management issues, start-up planning and other areas that are of importance to the entrepreneur. In addition to assisting clients, the counseling sessions also help to enhance the viability of the lending programs by preparing borrowers on the many issues relevant to establishing and running a successful business. Thus, decreasing the rates of business failure due to lack of knowledge and planning, which ultimately leads to a decrease in loan defaults.

Seminars
The seminars encompass important issues for all business owners -- no matter the stage of development. Subject matter ranges from business plan development to smart business strategies. In the past year, more than 12 seminars have been successfully completed.

Premier FastTrac
The Premier FastTrac program is an entrepreneurial training program that is distributed through the Entrepreneur Education Foundation (EEF). The training programs include First Step, New Venture and Venture Planning. The materials, curriculum, networks and forums are specifically designed to assist beginning and established businesses through the many stages of growth and development. The primary focus of FastTrac is to assist in facilitating the skills and knowledge that will allow entrepreneurs to develop, manage, grow and harvest a productive and profitable business endeavor.
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Entrepreneurial Support Group (ESG)
The ESG is a collaboration that provides a forum that will allow for the sharing of information and relationship building among aspiring business owners, relatively new business owners, and experienced successful business owners. The sharing of information will occur during planned activities that will include seminars, workshops, networking, and site visits. Participants will enhance their entrepreneurial skills by acquiring information through presentations from bankers, accountants, consultants, purchasing agents, and organization that require certification, as well as through group and individual interaction.