Small Business Funding and Support: What Mason County Businesses Learned from the SBA Workshop
Mason County, WA – January 30, 2026 – The Mason County Economic Development Council recently hosted a virtual workshop with Janie Sacco of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide Mason County business owners with a clear, practical overview of the funding, resources, and support available to small businesses. The session was designed to help both new and existing businesses better understand how to access capital, prepare for growth, and navigate federal programs that can strengthen long-term success.
During the workshop, Janie explained the role of the SBA as a federal agency that has been supporting entrepreneurs since 1953. The SBA’s mission is to help businesses start, grow, and thrive by improving access to funding, providing technical assistance, and creating pathways to government contracting. Whether a business is just getting started, expanding into a new market, or recovering from economic challenges, the SBA offers tools designed to support every stage of a company’s lifecycle.
A major focus of the session was SBA-backed financing. Rather than lending directly to most businesses, the SBA works through banks, credit unions, and nonprofit lenders by guaranteeing a portion of each loan. This allows lenders to offer longer repayment terms, lower down payments, and more flexibility than traditional loans, making financing more accessible for small businesses. Janie reviewed several key SBA loan programs that can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, business acquisitions, inventory, commercial real estate, construction, and debt refinancing. These programs are structured to help businesses manage cash flow while making important investments in growth.
The workshop also covered SBA programs that provide lines of credit and working capital support, particularly for seasonal businesses, contractors bidding on larger projects, manufacturers, and exporters. These programs allow businesses to access cash as needed to cover payroll, materials, and operating costs while taking on new opportunities. For manufacturers, Janie highlighted special programs that allow companies to borrow against assets for working capital, giving them more flexibility to manage production cycles and expand capacity.
Janie also walked through what lenders look for when reviewing a loan application. She described what are known as the “Five C’s of Credit,” which include a business owner’s experience and ability to run the business, the company’s cash flow and ability to repay a loan, the owner’s investment in the business, the available collateral, and the borrower’s credit history. SBA loan guarantees help reduce risk for lenders, which can be especially helpful for newer businesses or those that do not have strong collateral.
Beyond financing, the SBA provides a wide network of free business advising and technical assistance. Janie emphasized that business owners can access no-cost support from organizations such as Small Business Development Centers, SCORE mentors, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. These partners help with business plans, financial projections, loan applications, marketing, bookkeeping, and overall business strategy, giving entrepreneurs access to expert guidance as they grow.
The workshop also explored opportunities for businesses interested in federal contracting. The SBA administers certification programs for women-owned, veteran-owned, socially and economically disadvantaged, and HUBZone businesses. These certifications can open the door to federal set-aside contracts, joint ventures, and mentoring programs, helping small businesses compete for government work and expand into new markets.
In addition to SBA programs, Janie highlighted other funding and support resources available to Washington businesses, including programs through the Washington State Department of Commerce, rural lending options through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and disaster recovery programs for businesses affected by natural or economic disruptions. These tools create additional pathways for businesses seeking to invest, rebuild, or grow.
The full workshop video and Janie’s slide deck are available on this page and provide more detailed explanations, examples, and links to the programs discussed. MasonEDC encourages business owners to review these materials and reach out for assistance if they are considering financing, expansion, or new business opportunities.
For questions or assistance with SBA programs, businesses may contact:
Janie Sacco
U.S. Small Business Administration, Seattle District Office
janie.sacco@sba.gov
