Lender financing can often be a challenge for nonprofits, but a long-standing Orange County agency that provides essential services for thousands of disabled individuals and their families recently discovered one of California’s best capital access tools – the Small Business Loan Guarantee program (SBLG), thanks to a connection with leadership at Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County (SBDC-OC) in Santa Ana.

In December 2022, Santa Ana-based Unlimited Possibilities, utilizing the SBLG, was able to secure a revolving line of credit from Bank of Southern California in Irvine demonstrating their desire to continue to offer the best for the families they serve. The financing allowed the nonprofit to continue to meet the needs of children and families with disabilities in its community, especially those who are uninsured and underinsured. A state guarantee of 80% of the credit facility by SBDC-OC helped secure the funding. The guarantee program is administered by Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County on behalf of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank), a unique hybrid financing agency created by the state legislature in 1994 to finance public infrastructure and private development.

“We were excited to assist Unlimited Possibilities in continuing its programming and in making plans for the future,” said Michael Ocasio, SBDC-OC’s chief executive officer. Due to a prior business relationship with the nonprofit, he was able to link Unlimited Possibilities with the state’s guarantee programs. “Their services are extremely important to the region and we wish them continued success in aiding those most in need,” Ocasio said.

The state’s Small Business Loan Guarantee program offers collateral of up to 80% of a loan or other credit vehicle not to exceed $5 million, covering the financing in the event of a default. Such backing is vital for small businesses and nonprofits working to meet lenders’ requirements for financing. The state program, provided through SBDC-OC, possesses statewide authority to leverage public funds and along with a roster of participating lenders is often the only way by which organizations who lack significant assets can move forward with their plans and retain and create jobs.

“The state loan guarantee was vital in giving us the ability to continue to offer world-class services to our families,” said Unlimited Possibilities President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ramin Baschshi. An internal medicine physician and former healthcare management professional, she accepted the nonprofit’s leadership role six years ago following seven and a half years as chief operating officer and interim chief executive of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles.

An Unlimited Possibilities staff member assists a young client. (Photo: courtesy of Unlimited Possibilities)

Unlimited Possibilities in 2023 celebrated its 71st birthday and in 2022 launched a significant shift in its brand identity that included a new name, logo, website, and marketing materials. At the time of Baschshi’s arrival in 2018, the organization was known as United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County, a reference to its decades-long focus on services for those struggling with the condition. However over time, the nonprofit had branched out to serve a variety of disabilities including autism and Down syndrome.

Today, the agency employs over 300 dedicated professionals and serves more than 3,500 children, young adults and families with physical, speech, and occupational therapy services, assisting more than 160 diagnoses. Its offerings include community-based programs of which respite care is its largest. This program involves experienced caregivers who supervise children with disabilities in their homes and assist with toileting, feeding and daily activities. Other services include assessment and assistance for children with disabilities in after-school and youth programs such as the Boys and Girls Club, helping their gradual transition into typical club activities.

Andrew Lamb, portfolio manager for Bank of Southern California received the funding referral for Unlimited Possibilities from SBDC-OC president, Jim Ely last year due to Lamb’s experience working with nonprofits and with a for-profit entity within the same industry.

“As with any credit decision, you look at the financial history of the company, how the company is expected to perform in the future, the management team with regard to their industry experience and vision for the business, and the reputation of Unlimited Possibilities in serving the community,” Lamb said. “We also look at the makeup of the board and what they bring in terms of expertise and fundraising. Unlimited Possibilities certainly provides a much needed service to their community, and after touring their building you can see how they have put much thought into building out a facility that will provide the stimulation and care for the children using their services.”

(Photo: courtesy of Unlimited Possibilities)