SBA Seeks Veteran Leaders for Business Policy Advisory Board

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.

2026-06098 — 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.

2026-05392 — Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of Illinois

Illinois got hit hard by storms, strong winds, and flash floods back in August 2025, especially in Cook County and nearby areas. The government just declared it a disaster, opening the door for low-interest loans to help homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits recover. If you’re affected, you’ve got until May 15, 2026, to apply for physical damage loans and until December 16, 2026, for economic injury loans—so don’t wait!

Previous: 2026-06284 — Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority; Office of The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

The Department of Health and Human Services is shaking things up by removing the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy role and making the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) a standalone office again. ONC will focus on leading health IT efforts without the extra tech roles like Chief AI or Data Officers. These changes take effect immediately and aim to streamline how health information tech supports Americans’ health.

Next: 2026-06287 — Boltless Steel Shelving Units Prepackaged for Sale From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews

The U.S. is checking if special taxes on boltless steel shelving from China should stay or go. This review affects importers, sellers, and American manufacturers, with a quick deadline for comments by May 1, 2026. The goal? To see if removing these taxes would hurt U.S. businesses again soon.