SBFA Announces Support for The Small Business Fairness Act
The bill would provide greater protection for small businesses
WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Small Business Finance Association (SBFA) today announced support for S.3717, The Small Business Fairness Act introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). The bill would provide the Federal Trade Commission more clarity to protect small business owners from being forced to sign a "confession of judgment" before obtaining financing. A "confession of judgment" requires a small business owner to waive certain rights in court before obtaining financing and, in some cases, allows the lender to seize the owner's assets if there is a default.
"This is a bad practice that must be eliminated," said Jeremy Brown, chairman of RapidAdvance and SBFA. "Unfortunately, certain small business financing providers are misusing "confessions of judgment." We firmly support any legislation that will provide small businesses protection from the misuse of this practice. If a small business we fund runs into trouble, we believe they should be treated fairly and deserve our commitment to help resolve the issue in a manner that is professional and respectful."
SBFA is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring Main Street small businesses have access to the capital they need to grow and strengthen the economy. SBFA's mission is to educate policymakers and regulators about the technology-driven platforms emerging in the small business lending market and how our member companies bridge the small business capital gap using innovative financing solutions. The organization is supported by companies committed to promoting small business owners' access to fair and responsible capital.
"Our core values are centered on providing fair and responsible financing for small businesses," said Steve Denis, executive director of SBFA. "Small business owners are the backbone of the American economy and we should empower them with as many tools as possible to grow and create jobs. We look forward to working with Senator Brown and Rubio to eliminate the abuse of the "confession of judgment" and expand the role of responsible lenders nationally."
In 2016, SBFA released best practices for the alternative finance industry to help better protect small businesses as they seek funding online. SBFA's best practices are centered on four principles—transparency, responsibility, fairness, and security. As the industry's leading trade association, the best practices have been agreed to by every member company and exist to give small business owners confidence in their financing decisions. These principles provide them a better understanding of what to expect from responsible alternative finance companies, which includes fully disclosing all terms and costs and ensuring the products SBFA companies offer are in the best interest of the small business customer.
The Small Business Finance Association (SBFA) is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 trade association representing organizations that provide alternative financing solutions to small businesses.
SOURCE Small Business Finance Association
Share this article