Unlocking SBA Resources: A Conversation with Catherine Marx, Connecticut District Director, Episode 21

In this episode of CIC's Small Business Intelligence, hosts Joe McCaffrey and Louis Silva discuss the U.S. Small Business Administration with guest Catherine Marx, District Director of the SBA's Connecticut District Office. They outline the SBA’s mission and core functions, including access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, advocacy, and disaster assistance, and explain the Connecticut office’s role as the local delivery arm. Director Marx highlights national priorities like onshoring and manufacturing, new and evolving lending tools tied to working capital and contracting needs, and how SBA partners help entrepreneurs become “bank ready.” The conversation promotes Connecticut SBA Lending Expos (including the free June 5 Shelton, CT event), National Small Business Week, and emphasizes resource partners such as SCORE, SBDC, and the Women's Business Development Council. They address common misconceptions about SBA grants and direct lending, describe disaster loan support, and share success stories showing how SBA programs and partnerships help businesses grow and strengthen communities.