SBAC is excited to welcome three new members to our team!
Hemita Chande
Loan Officer
As a Loan Officer, Hemita will be responsible for originating small business loans, particularly microloans and City of Savannah loans. Along with a banking background, she brings many years of business, sales, and customer service experience to SBAC.
Harshil Patel
Junior Operations Analyst
Harshil, who holds a master’s degree in Business Analytics, will play a key role in strengthening our internal systems and efficiencies to support the organization’s long-term strategy. His advanced analytics expertise will be fully applied to enhance how we operate and serve our clients.
Joy Wilcher
Loan Servicing Administrator
With 20 years of experience in finance and administrative support, Joy will be a key asset to our Servicing Department. She will manage client relations for our small businesses, nurturing the borrower's experience from closing to loan maturity.
Small Business Spotlight
Nikki O’Connell turned her passion for fitness into reality by launching Soar Bungee Fitness in Savannah. To secure financing, a local bank referred her to SBAC, where a Microloan provided the funding needed to open her business. Nancy mentions that SBAC was enthusiastic about the project, and it was a positive experience. Soar offers a wide range of classes and has grown into a thriving, community-driven fitness studio.
Benefits of a Microloan for Small Businesses.
Microloans are a great way for small businesses to get the funding needed to start or grow.
SBAC offers microloans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. Obtaining a microloan with SBAC opens the opportunity for your business to qualify for annual business scholarships.
Beyond financing, our team provides ongoing guidance and free business counseling, empowering entrepreneurs to build businesses that are resilient and thriving.
Click the button to learn SBAC's Mocroloan programs.
Strengthening Our Community Through Financial Literacy
As Financial Literacy Month comes to a close, it’s a reminder that strong businesses start with strong financial foundations. At SBAC, we go beyond access to capital by equipping small business owners with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. By promoting financial literacy, we help businesses grow and strengthen our local economy.
SBAC and CCCS Present:
May Credit Builder Workshop for Entrepreneurs
Register for this FREE Credit Building Workshopto help individuals and small businesses rebuild or establish strong credit to reach their business goals
Lead the Way: Invest in Yourself to Strengthen Your Business
A strong business starts with a strong leader. As you pour into your team, remember to invest in yourself too. Whether it’s through mentorship, business coaching, or professional development, sharpening your own skills will help you work on your business, not just in it.
SBAC Resource Partner Workshops and Events!
Our resource partners provide business classes, networking events, and other support to help small businesses thrive. See what's coming up in the next month, and explore more from our resource partners here.
Connect with business owners and professionals from across the Southeast during a full day of learning, inspiration, and collaboration. The Savannah Business Summit is where success starts and grow.
The Mayor’s Small Business Conference is a free, one-day event hosted by the City of Savannah’s Economic Development Department and Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, bringing local business leaders and entrepreneurs together for workshops, presentations, and networking focused on small business growth.
When: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Where: MLK Civic Center, 301 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
This year’s conference will examine how culture, family, and personal journeys shape the way women build and lead businesses, featuring real stories and practical insights. Attendees will find a supportive space to feel seen, gain inspiration, and leave with clear, actionable tools.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Historic Savannah, 2 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401
The Loan Processor (LP) is responsible for gathering, reviewing, and managing information collected during the loan origination process. The LP will provide support to the Production Department by completing tasks necessary to finalize a commercial loan package, from application to approval.
Senior Loan Officer
The Senior Loan Officer (SLO) focuses on the origination and submission of small business loan products, with an emphasis on the SBA 504 Loan Program. The ideal candidate is proactive in their ability to source small business lending opportunities using new relationships and their established contacts, clients, & network.The SLO is responsible for growing SBAC’s small business loan portfolio with an emphasis on Fixed Asset/Commercial Real Estate financing throughout SBAC’s Georgia and South Carolina footprint.
Finance Controller
The Finance Controller oversees the organization’s financial operations and helps maintain its financial health. This role is responsible for accounting, management, financial reporting, compliance, audits, grant reporting, budgeting, and other essential financial activities that support strong day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
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