Breaking Down the 7(a) and 504: Inside the SBA Loan Programs Built for Growth

Ever had a great business idea but didn't know how to fund it? In this episode, host Kaylee Williams sits down with Ryan Lincoln, the District Director for the Small Business Administration here in Iowa, to decode the SBA's most popular loan programs—the 7(a) and 504—and why so many entrepreneurs don't even know they exist. 🗞️ Subscribe for free: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe  📱 Offiicial episode page: http://iowapodcast.com/ryan-lincoln  🐖 Get $30 from Jethro's BBQ w/ purchase of $100: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq  Lincoln breaks down how these programs work, who they're designed for, and the real first step you should take if you're serious about scaling your business. Plus, we dig into his background as a 21-year Marine Corps veteran and how his experience serving his country connects directly to his mission of supporting Iowa's small businesses today. But there's more: Ryan reveals that Iowa currently has zero submissions for the SBA's inaugural Patriot Pitch Competition—a nationwide $1 million prize pool happening this summer to celebrate American innovation. Kaylee explores what it takes to apply, why small businesses should pay attention, and why the SBA's partnership with local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) is the "front porch" every entrepreneur should walk through first. If you're thinking about starting or scaling a business in Iowa, this conversation is your roadmap.