SBA Rolls Out Fresh Small Business Investment Licenses

2026-06282 — Brightwood Capital SBIC IV, LP; Notice Seeking Exemption Under Section 312 of the Small Business Investment Act, Conflicts of Interest

Brightwood Capital SBIC IV, LP wants to lend money to The Smith and Oby Holding Company to help it grow. Because some related Brightwood funds already own a big chunk of Smith and Oby, this deal is a conflict of interest and needs special permission. People have 15 days from April 1, 2026, to share their thoughts before the SBA decides.

2026-06285 — Committee Member Nominations Sought Notice; Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs

The Small Business Administration is looking for veteran small business owners and veteran service group reps to join its Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. These members will help shape policies that support veteran-owned businesses and serve up to three years without pay, but with travel costs covered. Nominations are open now and accepted anytime, so if you know a qualified veteran leader, now’s the time to step up!

2026-06098 — Interest Rates

The Small Business Administration set the Optional Peg Rate at 4.50% for April through June 2026, which helps decide interest rates on certain SBA loans. This affects small businesses using SBA direct or 504 loans, with lenders capped on how high they can charge based on state laws. If you’re borrowing or lending through SBA programs, keep an eye on these rates—they impact your loan costs this quarter!

2026-05936 — Data Collection Available for Public Comments

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is asking for your thoughts on how it collects info from small business investment companies. This helps make sure these companies follow the rules, and you have 30 days to share your comments before April 27, 2026. About 323 companies are involved, and the process won’t cost extra money but takes some time to complete.

2026-05668 — Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Louisiana

Louisiana’s winter storm disaster declaration just got an upgrade! Five more parishes—Catahoula, Lincoln, Madison, Union, and Webster—are now officially recognized for public assistance. If you’re in these areas, you’ve got until May 4, 2026, to apply for physical damage loans and December 4, 2026, for economic injury loans. Time to get the help you need and bounce back stronger!

2026-05654 — Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of MISSISSIPPI and the MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS

The President has updated the disaster declaration for Mississippi and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians after a severe winter storm in January 2026. Four more counties—Choctaw, Itawamba, Oktibbeha, and Wilkinson—are now officially recognized as affected and eligible for public assistance. If you need help, physical loan applications are due by April 7, 2026, and economic injury loans by November 6, 2026.

Previous: 2025-12725 — Notice of Public Meeting of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee

The Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) is holding a public meeting soon to talk about ways to stop harmful plants and animals from spreading. This affects anyone who cares about protecting nature and keeping ecosystems safe. No money changes yet, but the meeting will help shape future actions and plans.

Next: 2025-12728 — Meeting of Humanities Panel

The National Endowment for the Humanities is hosting three video meetings in August 2025 to review and recommend funding for arts and humanities projects. If you’ve applied for financial help, these meetings will decide who gets support. This means some projects could get money soon, so keep an eye out!