SBA Patriot Loan program renewed

The U.S. Small Business Administration has renewed the Patriot Express loan program for another three years. Patriot Express, originally set to expire at the end of the year, offers an enhanced guaranty and interest rate on loans of up to $500,000 to small businesses owned by veterans, reservists and their spouses. Since its inception in June 2007, the program has provided $560 million in loan guarantees to nearly 7,000 veterans across the country. In New Hampshire, 90 loans totaling some $9.2 million have been guaranteed since 2007, according to figures from the SBA. The Patriot Express loan can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real estate purchases. More information on Patriot Express loans can be found at sba.gov/patriotexpress. – CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW