SBA & Commercial Loans for Small Businesses

In case you missed it, today is National Coaches Day. In observance, I'm reposting an article I wrote several years ago on legendary coach John Thompson. Admittedly, those of us from a certain era will recognize more of the names, but the lesson and the story are both timeless. He was quite a guy. To paraphase James Earl Jones, I miss him and those like him....Damn few left . Lessons from a Legend Being a teenager and growing up in the 1980's, John Thompson's Georgetown teams were quite literally larger than life. Growing up on the outskirts of Philadelphia and being a college basketball fan, to me there was nothing better than watching those Big East battles in the early to mid 80's. Patrick Ewing, Ed Pinckney, Sleepy Floyd, Pearl Washington, Charles Smith, Reggie Williams, Chris Mullin, and on and on... And at the glorious center of it all was John Thompson. Invariably either yelling, scowling, laughing, teaching, coaching, or complaining (often in the same sequence), he stalked the sidelines with his gigantic white towel - and usually the win, slung over his shoulder. Despite his intimidating presence however, you didn't have to look too closely to find the appeal of John Thompson. Regardless of what happened on the hardwood, there was always a genuine post game embrace, a nod, and a warm smile for his adversaries lingering on the other side of the court - Especially Lou Carnesecca or Rollie Massimino. I loved seeing that - It endeared him to me, and I'm sure many others. Indeed, although there are many things worth remembering from those years - The introduction of the shirts under the jerseys courtesy of Patrick Ewing, Michael Graham's one and done year of defensive domination, and the discovery that a Hoya is not actually a bulldog - there is one that stands out. The 1982 NCAA Championship game. Thompson's upstart Hoya team was playing Dean Smith's heavily favored North Carolina Tar Heels. With just 17 seconds left, down by one with a chance to win, Georgetown's Freddie Brown picked up his dribble near the top of the key and turned to throw a pass to who he thought was Eric "Sleepy" Floyd, who only a moment earlier had been positioned just to his right. But Floyd wasn't there. In reaction to Brown's fake, he had proceeded down the right side, just outside the lane. Brown's pass drifted fatefully into the arms of a shocked James Worthy, who turned and dribbled out the remaining seconds, sealing not only the championship, but a few legacies as well. What has always stayed with me is not the game winning shot by a very young Michael Jordan just seconds earlier, the lapse of judgement and execution by rock solid team leader Brown, the championship loss, or Georgetown’s 1984 title over Houston's Phi Slamma Jamma team that served as retribution of sorts. What I remember most is Thompson, after the buzzer sounded and ignoring everything around him amidst the on court chaos, walking quietly and quickly to embrace and console his devastated player, who stood head in hands not knowing what to do or how to react to what had just happened. It was in that moment, with his arms tightly wrapped around one of the great unsung heroes of Georgetown basketball lore, that John Thompson showed his true self. In that moment, he showed us all that it really is about more than ourselves and our own achievements - About even more than team or personal goals. It's about each other and about our relationships to one another. A lesson we should all take to heart, especially now.

Why an SBA Express Line of Credit Might Be Your Best Move Need faster access to funds without sacrificing flexibility? The SBA Express Line of Credit combines the low-cost, reliable backing of the SBA with the agility small businesses crave. Here’s what sets it apart: 1. Super-Fast Response Times Unlike traditional loans, the SBA Express generally offers a 72-hour SBA decision on whether to guarantee your line of credit—so you can get going almost immediately. 2. Flexible, Revolving Access It's not a one-and-done loan. You draw only what you need, repay, then borrow again—like a credit card but with lower rates and smarter terms. 3. Competitive SBA Backing SBA guarantees up to 50% of the line, lowering risk for lenders and improving your chances. You benefit without sacrificing speed. 4. Use It for Whatever Keeps You Rolling Need to manage cash flow, cover payroll, buy inventory, or respond to emergencies? It’s your cushion. Just don’t use it for ineligible costs like real estate or debt refinancing. 5. Pay Interest Only on What You Use Unused portion? No interest. You only pay when you draw. 6. Potential Fee Advantage Some lenders waive fees on the Express Line—making it even more cost-effective compared to term loans. What to Watch For Maximum Line Size : Typically up to $350,000—enough for many small business needs, but not every big project. Interest Matters : Rates vary; always compare. Use Restrictions : Strictly business—no personal spending, real estate or investment purchases. Lender Discretion : The SBA sets the rules, but each bank interprets them. Ask specifically about their SLA (Service Level Agreement) and timeline. Renewal Terms : Some lenders may require annual renewal or fee. Why You Should Care If cash flow moves fast in your business, waiting weeks for a term loan can cost you. The SBA Express Line gives you business-grade funding on your terms—quickly, flexibly, and affordably.