May 20 event will provide information on obtaining loans to begin or expand businesses

Allegheny County and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will host the region’s first “speed lending” event for small business owners on Thurs., May 20, at One Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Allegheny County Department of Minority, Women & Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWDBE) and SBA are bringing together lenders and development specialists to provide information on how to obtain loans to begin or expand small businesses.

“Access to capital is vital to the development of any business,” said Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato. “Through our MWDBE Working Capital Loan Program, Allegheny County has been promoting minority businesses through the approval of more than two dozen loans totaling $1.8 million.”

“We want to provide a blueprint for our small business owners to succeed by introducing them to lenders,” said MWDBE Director Ruth Byrd-Smith. “This event will help them to understand the process of applying for loans.”

“This event will bring together small business owners and people wanting to start a business, and enable them to speak directly with lenders,” said SBA Western Pennsylvania District Director Carl Knoblock. “Basically, we want to give business owners a chance to connect directly with lenders to begin the process of obtaining capital.”

The event will be held in the Liberty Room at One Smithfield Street and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Individuals should register by calling 412-395-6560 ext. 126 or e-mailing marianne.fischer@sba.gov. There is no cost for this event.