SANTA ANA, Calif. — The Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County (SBDC-OC) has achieved record-setting growth for the third consecutive year, further expanding access to capital for California's small businesses and reinforcing its role as one of the state's leading economic development organizations.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, SBDC-OC administered $147.3 million in state of California loan guarantees, representing a 43% increase over the prior fiscal year. Those guarantees supported $204.8 million in total small business lending, a 49% increase from fiscal year 2024–25.
The organization's economic impact includes new employment opportunities resulting from its support of businesses’ capital access needs. Businesses receiving guaranteed financing created 768 new jobs representing an increase of 169%, with jobs retained increasing 45% compared with the previous fiscal year.
“More and more lenders are recognizing that this guarantee program provides credit opportunities that would not otherwise be available.”
— Jim Ely, President
"More and more lenders are recognizing that this guarantee program provides credit opportunities that would not otherwise be available on reasonable terms and conditions," said SBDC-OC President Jim Ely. "We're also encouraged that 11 new lending institutions participated in the program for the first time during the past fiscal year, further expanding access to capital for California's small businesses."
SBDC-OC also significantly increased its support of California's nonprofit sector. During the fiscal year, the organization provided $6.93 million in loan guarantees benefiting nonprofit organizations. In addition to guarantee assistance, many nonprofit borrowers also received charitable contributions from SBDC-OC in support of their community-based missions.
"Our mission is to create meaningful economic impact by helping small businesses access the capital they need to start, grow, and thrive.”
— Michael A. Ocasio, Chief Executive Officer
"Our mission is to create meaningful economic impact by helping small businesses access the capital they need to start, grow, and thrive," said Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Ocasio. "These record-setting results reflect the dedication and professionalism of our outstanding staff, the confidence our lending partners place in our programs, and our unwavering commitment to expanding equitable economic opportunity throughout California. Every guarantee represents a business pursuing growth, creating jobs, and strengthening local communities."
SBDC-OC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) financial development corporation that administers loan guarantee programs on behalf of the state of California through the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank). The guarantees are backed by a dedicated trust fund, providing lenders with added security while helping small businesses obtain financing that might otherwise be unavailable.
Loan guarantees of up to $5 million are available for eligible business purposes including commercial real estate acquisition, business acquisition, debt refinancing, equipment purchases, and working capital financing.
For additional information about SBDC-OC's loan guarantee programs, visit www.sbfdoc.org.
