Small Businesses Now Eligible for $10 Million in SBA Financing New SBA Policy Allows Borrowers to Combine 7(a) and 504 Loans to Double Available Capital WASHINGTON – Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced that SBA borrowers may now combine their 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, an increase from the previous cumulative loan limit of $5 million. The policy change, which went into effect on July 4, expands the capital available to small businesses across all industries by raising the SBA's maximum financing offering to the highest level in agency history.

Hey Leaders, Have you ever found yourself saying, "I just don't have enough time"? It's one of the most common phrases we use, yet in this TED Talk, Laura Vanderkam challenges us to think differently. She argues that time is not something we simply find. Time is something we choose. One of the most powerful ideas from this talk is that we don't build meaningful lives by saving a few minutes here and there. Instead, we build the lives we want by intentionally prioritizing what matters most. Vanderkam shares a simple but profound truth: when something is truly important, we find the time for it. Just as we would immediately rearrange our schedules to respond to a family emergency or a broken water heater, we should learn to treat our priorities with that same level of importance. As leaders, this is a valuable reminder. Our calendars reveal our priorities more honestly than our intentions ever will. If leadership development, family, personal growth, health, or mentoring others truly matter to us, they should appear on our schedules before everything else begins competing for our attention. One practical strategy Laura offers is to think ahead. Instead of reacting to each day as it comes, spend time planning the upcoming week by identifying priorities in three key areas: - Career - Relationships - Self When we intentionally schedule what matters most, we are far more likely to accomplish it. She also reminds us that every week contains 168 hours. While our responsibilities differ, we often have more flexibility than we realize. The question is not whether we have enough time. The question is whether we are intentionally investing the time we've been given. You can watch the full TED Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_vanderkam_how_to_gain_control_of_your_free_time As leaders, let's challenge ourselves this week to stop saying, "I don't have time," and instead ask, "Is this a priority?" That simple shift in perspective can transform how we lead, how we serve, and how we build the life we truly want.

Maria DecenaTaylor, Program Manager/ Founder & Owner of E-commerce Business Owner at MeRee Boutique | Bluffton, South Carolina If you're a **Veteran, Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist, or Military Spouse**, you may qualify for **FREE business grants** and resources to help start, grow, or expand your business. 💵 Some grant opportunities offer **up to $20,000** in funding—and unlike loans, **grants do not have to be repaid.** Here are a few programs worth exploring: ✅ **Warrior Rising** – Business education, mentorship, and opportunities to compete for grants of up to **$20,000** through its Business Shower program. ✅ **Verizon Small Business Digital Ready** – Complete free business training to become eligible for **$10,000 grant opportunities** offered throughout the year. ✅ **Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program** – Awards grants to eligible veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses, including awards of **$10,000 and $25,000** during select funding rounds. ✅ **Second Service Foundation** (formerly StreetShares Foundation) – Offers veteran pitch competitions, educational programs, and grant opportunities typically ranging from **$1,000 to $15,000**. ✅ **Hello Alice Grant Marketplace** – Provides access to thousands of grant opportunities, funding resources, and business tools for entrepreneurs. ✅ **U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)** – Offers free business counseling, Veteran training programs, mentorship, federal contracting assistance, and funding resources. 🎯 Don't leave free money on the table! Many of these organizations also provide coaching, networking, training, and mentorship to help your business succeed. ⚠️ **Disclaimer:** This information is provided for educational purposes only. I am not affiliated with or compensated by any organization listed above. Grant availability, funding amounts, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines may change. Always verify current information directly with each organization before applying.

Today, we celebrate freedom, leadership, and the responsibility we each carry to make a positive impact in the world around us. As we reflect on 250 years of freedom, we are reminded that strong communities are built by people who choose growth, service, courage, and connection. May this Independence Day inspire us to keep becoming better leaders, better neighbors, and better people. Better People, Better World. – Dr. Joe

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we honor the courage, resilience, and vision that built this great nation. From 1776 to 2026, the American spirit has continued to shine brightly. Today, we remember the brave men and women who fought for our freedom — and we recommit to building a stronger, more united future for the next 250 years. Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day. #July4th #IndependenceDay #America250 #FourthOfJuly #USA