OCC issues State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 FAQs

Bank Regulatory Federal Issues OCC Small Business Lending FAQs

On January 8, the OCC issued Bulletin 2024-1, which provides responses to frequently asked questions regarding the state small business credit initiative (SSBCI). The SSBCI, run by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, facilitates access to capital for small businesses, supports credit and investment programs, and offers technical assistance for applying to SSBCI funding and other government programs. The FAQs address a variety of topics, including the types of credit and investment programs states may set up, including collateral support programs, capital access programs, and loan guarantee programs, among others; criteria to qualify as “underserved” for access to the credit; treatment of certain funds; program descriptions; and whether loans made through the program could be considered for Community Reinvestment Act purposes.