The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) will host a free U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Roundtable Lender Training on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The half-day session is designed for lenders and banking professionals seeking current guidance on SBA lending programs and processes.
The training will be led by SBA representatives from both the Little Rock and Dallas-Fort Worth District Offices and will address topics including the SBA 504 program, recent updates to SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), borrower documentation requirements, debt refinance guidelines, and common screen-outs that can delay approvals. Property information considerations and lender involvement best practices will also be covered.
“As our region grows, it’s essential that we equip lenders with the most up-to-date knowledge on SBA programs. This event reinforces ATCOG’s commitment to supporting the businesses that drive innovation and resilience in our communities,” said Mary Beth Rudel, Executive Director of ATCOG. “Bringing together federal, regional, and local partners to ensure our lenders have the tools they need to support entrepreneurs will help aid in creating meaningful access to funding across our region.”
Building on that commitment, ATCOG’s Economic Development Director highlighted how regional collaboration and lender readiness are key to local economic vitality.
“Strengthening local lending knowledge directly contributes to small business success across Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas,” said Melody Harmon, Economic Development Director for ATCOG. “Our goal is to foster collaboration and ensure our lenders are equipped to help entrepreneurs thrive.”
In addition to the presentations from the SBA leaders, other updates will be provided by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), the Northeast Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and ATCOG’s Economic Development Program leadership.
A complimentary networking lunch will be provided for registered attendees. There is no cost to participate, however, advance registration is required by Friday, August 8, 2025, so that meal counts can be confirmed. The training will be held at ATCOG, located at 4808 Elizabeth Street in Texarkana, Texas.
To register, visit ATCOG.org/Lender or call (903) 255-3538 with questions.
Presenter Bios
Jerry Talbert, Deputy Director, U.S. Small Business Administration Arkansas District Office
Talbert leads the management and delivery of entrepreneurial resources across Arkansas through SBA financial and business development programs. He directs district staff and works closely with community leaders and small business owners statewide to expand access to SBA capital, counseling, and contracting opportunities.
Kristy Couch, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration Dallas–Fort Worth District Office
Couch partners with public and private sector organizations to ensure underserved communities are informed about and connected to SBA and other federal, state, and community programs. Her work includes recruiting institutions to become delegated SBA lenders, providing technical assistance, delivering lender training on SBA products and services, and facilitating connections that help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
Event At-a-Glance
- Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Location: ATCOG, 4808 Elizabeth Street, Texarkana, TX
- Cost: Free (lunch included with registration)
- Register by: Friday, August 8, 2025
- Audience: Lenders & banking professionals.
About the Ark-Tex Council of Governments
The Ark-Tex Council of Governments is a voluntary association of local governments serving communities across a Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas. ATCOG supports regional economic development, planning, community services, and collaborative initiatives that enhance quality of life and strengthen local economies.