Kaylee Williams sits down with Ryan Lincoln, District Director for the Small Business Administration in Iowa, to explore the SBA’s role in supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. After 21 years serving in the Marine Corps, Ryan transitioned into public service because of his deep belief in American small business—shaped by watching his father build a successful grocery store in rural Indiana.
Ryan explains the SBA’s two flagship loan programs: the 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program, a versatile tool for businesses needing capital for equipment, working capital, or expansion (up to $5 million), and the 504 Loan Guarantee Program, specifically designed for acquiring large-scale assets like buildings and real estate. Importantly, the SBA doesn’t lend money directly—instead, it guarantees loans through banks, much like the VA home loan program. This guarantee dramatically reduces risk for lenders and makes financing more accessible for entrepreneurs.
A key takeaway: the SBA has an awareness problem. While most people know the acronym, few understand what the agency actually does or how its programs work. Ryan emphasizes that the first step for any entrepreneur should be connecting with a local Small Business Development Center (SBDC)—the “front porch” of the SBA house. SBDCs help entrepreneurs move from idea to business plan, preparing them to meet with bankers who fund plans, not just ideas.
Ryan also highlights the Patriot Pitch Competition, a nationwide $1 million prize pool celebrating American innovation as part of the America 250 initiative. Applications close June 10th, and notably, Iowa currently has zero submissions. The conversation reveals Ryan’s passion for promoting SBA resources and his goal of making the SBA the first thought—not an afterthought—for Iowa entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses.