Webinar Wednesday, Episode 379
The SBA is launching new programs, new loan guarantees, and new grants — and most small business owners don’t know they exist yet. In this episode of Webinar Wednesday, CSUB SBDC Director Kelly Bearden is joined by Dawn Golik, District Director for the SBA’s Fresno District, to break down everything that’s new — and what it means for small businesses in Kern, Inyo, and Mono Counties.
New $50 Million SBA Manufacturing Grant
On the day this webinar aired — May 6, 2026 — the SBA announced a new $50 million grant opportunity to support American manufacturing and workforce training. Grants are available to organizations providing technical assistance to help manufacturers start up and scale up.
► Read the full SBA announcement →
Local spotlight: 2026 SBA Small Business Person of the Year
The episode opened with a live look-in featuring Ivan Ayala, named the 2026 SBA Fresno District Small Business Person of the Year. Ayala’s recognition is a testament to the strength of entrepreneurship in Central California and the impact the SBDC has in helping local businesses grow and succeed.
► Read about Ivan and Gabriela Ayala, owners of United Pipe & Steel Fabrication →
New SBA Programs
What’s new from the SBA in 2026
Also Worth Knowing
The Silver Tsunami — and why it’s an opportunity for buyers
Millions of baby boomer business owners are approaching retirement — and not all of them have a family member or employee ready to take over. Dawn Golik and Kelly Bearden discussed why this creates a significant buying opportunity, and the SBA tools that make it possible:
SBA 7(a) for business acquisitions The SBA 7(a) loan program is available for buying an existing business. Lenders look for cash flow demonstrated through tax returns. Buying a proven, cash-flowing business is often lower risk than starting from scratch. | EIDL loan assumption strategy Sellers who took COVID EIDL loans may have 30-year loans at ~3.75% interest with 25 years remaining. If a buyer requalifies, they can potentially assume that loan — a unique low-rate financing strategy that can bridge acquisition gaps. |
Lender Match Answer a few questions online at SBA.gov and get connected with potential lenders within 48 hours. A free tool that saves significant time in the capital search process. | Building credit takes time — start now Business credit takes several years to build. Some micro lenders will work with low personal credit scores (around 550) for very small loans under $10,000. The best time to start building is before you need it. |
 | Dawn Golik — SBA Fresno District Director Dawn Golik serves as District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Fresno District, which covers the Eastern Sierra, San Joaquin Valley, and Central Coast regions. In this role she oversees SBA lending, contracting, and business development programs for small businesses throughout Central California. |
Watch the full webinar
This blog post covers the highlights, but the full episode includes Dawn Golik’s complete SBA update, a live Kickstarter crowdfunding check-in, Q&A on credit ratios and lender expectations, and more.
▶ Watch “SBA District Director Discusses New Programs to Help Small Businesses” on demand →
 | Kelly Bearden — CSUB SBDC Director Kelly Bearden leads the CSU Bakersfield Small Business Development Center, serving small business owners throughout Kern, Inyo, and Mono Counties. The SBDC provides free one-on-one advising and helped local businesses access nearly $9.9 million in capital investment in 2024. |