Alternatives is an SBA Microloan Intermediary. This allows us to participate and lend funds to small business in Tompkins, Cortland, Tioga, Broom, Schuyler and Chemung counties through the SBA Microloan Program. The loan fund allows loans of up to $35,000 to small businesses that do not qualify for traditional financing. The microloan funds may be used for most business purposes with the exception of refinancing, down payments and real estate purchases. See Business Loan Rates for SBA loan information.

The Microloan Program is designed to assist entrepreneurs in achieving their small business goals by offering business plan preparation services, intensive technical assistance and by making available high risk loans. Applicants often come to the program not as a last resort but for the value-added technical assistance they can receive. The Microloan Program as a stepping stone for young and emerging businesses to build a solid foundation for future growth, expansion and stability in the market place. Contact Business Loan Officer Michael Culotta by e-mail or call, 607-273-4611, ext 824.

To learn more about becoming a business member, read about our business services here.

Read a press release dated 8/17/00 about the Alternatives' partnership with the SBA.