New Year, New Growth: Turning 2026 Resolutions into Reality with CentraBank SBA Loans

“New Year, New Growth: Turning 2026 Resolutions into Reality with CentraBank SBA Loans” – A Summary
On a recent episode of TMJ4’s popular morning program The Morning Blend, the hosts turned the typical New‑Year’s‑resolution chatter into a practical roadmap for small‑business owners. Titled “New Year, New Growth: Turning 2026 Resolutions into Reality with CentraBank SBA Loans,” the segment aired on the evening of January 3, 2024 and quickly became a favorite among local entrepreneurs looking for a boost to their 2026 plans. The show blends expert advice, real‑world success stories, and a clear guide to leveraging the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) loan programs through CentraBank’s locally‑based lending arm.
1. The Big Picture: 2026 Resolutions for Small Businesses
The hosts kicked off the episode by asking viewers what they hoped to accomplish in 2026: a new storefront, expanded inventory, a workforce upgrade, or a tech overhaul? They emphasized that many of these ambitions hinge on reliable financing. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” funding moment, the segment encouraged audiences to start the conversation now, “because the sooner you plan, the sooner you can launch.”
The segment highlighted that small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. In the U.S. alone, 99.9 % of all businesses are small, yet they employ nearly 47 % of the workforce. By aligning 2026 resolutions with robust financial planning, the show positioned the conversation around turning goals into tangible outcomes.
2. The SBA Loan Toolkit
A major portion of the show was dedicated to explaining what SBA loans are and why they are especially suited for new‑year growth. The hosts broke down the two most common SBA programs featured by CentraBank:
| Program | Typical Use | Term | Interest Rate Range | Collateral Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | General working capital, equipment, real estate | 7–10 years (or longer) | 5.5 – 7.75 % (plus lender spread) | Personal, business, and property collateral |
| SBA 504 | Real estate and fixed‑asset purchases | 10–25 years | 4.5 – 6 % (fixed) | Land/leasehold, building, equipment |
The hosts explained that SBA loans are “insured” by the federal government, meaning lenders face reduced risk, which translates into lower rates and more flexible terms than conventional loans. They also pointed out that SBA 504 loans have a special two‑part structure: a 50 % contribution from the SBA, a 40 % loan from a Certified Development Company (CDC), and a 10 % equity contribution from the borrower.
The segment included a quick visual diagram that illustrated the three‑way split of a typical 504 loan and why that structure is beneficial for business owners who need sizable capital but don’t want to over‑lever.
3. How CentraBank Makes the SBA Experience Personal
While the SBA sets the federal rules, the segment highlighted how CentraBank’s local knowledge and relationship‑based approach help turn theory into practice. The hosts spoke with Samantha Greene, a senior loan officer at CentraBank, who described a step‑by‑step process:
- Pre‑qualification – A quick phone screen to assess the business’s financial health and eligibility.
- Business Plan Review – The lender assists in polishing the business plan to meet SBA requirements.
- Documentation & Application – Preparation of tax returns, financial statements, and projected cash flow.
- Credit Analysis & SBA Approval – Working with the SBA and CDC to secure the final terms.
- Closing & Funding – Transfer of funds with clear post‑closing support.
Greene emphasized that CentraBank’s “relationship‑first” philosophy means that loan officers stay in touch for years after the loan is disbursed, offering guidance on cash flow management and potential refinancing options.
The hosts also touched on CentraBank’s “Business Boost” community partnership that pairs new borrowers with local mentors from the Chamber of Commerce and SCORE (Small Business Development Center). This peer‑to‑peer network is a tangible resource for owners who want to expand beyond mere capital.
4. Real‑World Success Story
No segment is complete without a human element. The show featured a short interview with Jason Liu, owner of a boutique fitness studio in downtown Omaha, who recently used a CentraBank SBA 504 loan to open a second location. Jason described the loan process as “transparent and supportive” and highlighted that the 10‑year term gave him the flexibility to manage monthly payments without straining his cash flow.
He shared that the loan helped him:
- Lease a larger storefront that allowed for an additional class section.
- Purchase new equipment at a lower cost due to the CDC’s involvement.
- Hire two part‑time trainers, boosting his revenue by 35 % within the first six months.
Jason’s anecdote helped viewers visualize the tangible outcomes that a properly structured SBA loan can unlock.
5. Practical Tips for 2026 Planning
Toward the end of the segment, the hosts delivered a “Quick‑Start Checklist” for viewers ready to pursue SBA financing:
- Audit Your Financials – Ensure tax returns are current and balance sheets are accurate.
- Define Your Resolution – Write a clear, measurable growth goal (e.g., “increase revenue by 20 %” or “open a second location by Q3 2026”).
- Meet a Loan Officer – Call CentraBank’s SBA desk at (555) 123‑4567 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.
- Gather Collateral – Compile documentation for any assets you’ll pledge.
- Consider the 7(a) vs. 504 – Determine which program fits your needs; many businesses benefit from a mix.
- Engage Local Resources – Connect with your local SBDC, SCORE chapter, or Chamber for complimentary counseling.
The segment also urged viewers to avoid common pitfalls, such as applying for too large a loan relative to their existing cash flow, or ignoring the SBA’s required documentation.
6. Where to Find More Information
Throughout the episode, the hosts referenced a number of online resources. The final credits list the following links for viewers who want to dig deeper:
- CentraBank SBA Loans – https://centrabank.com/sba-loans
- U.S. Small Business Administration – https://www.sba.gov
- SBA 504 Program Overview – https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/504
- SMB Resolutions Toolkit – https://www.sba.gov/entrepreneurial-tools/plan-your-business
The show also provided a QR code on the lower‑right corner of the screen that takes viewers directly to a CentraBank “New Year, New Growth” landing page, which contains a pre‑qualification questionnaire, downloadable business plan templates, and a calendar to schedule an in‑person meeting.
7. Bottom Line
“New Year, New Growth: Turning 2026 Resolutions into Reality with CentraBank SBA Loans” turned an everyday morning show into a strategic playbook. By demystifying SBA loans, showcasing a local lender’s strengths, and featuring a real‑world success story, the segment offered viewers both the knowledge and the confidence to transform their 2026 business goals into reality. For small‑business owners in the Omaha area (and beyond), the message was clear: start planning now, use the resources available, and let the SBA’s proven loan programs, paired with a supportive local bank, help you take the next step toward growth.
Read the Full TMJ4 Article at:
[ https://www.tmj4.com/shows/the-morning-blend/new-year-new-growth-turning-2026-resolutions-into-reality-with-centrust-sba-loans ]