Special SMART Session | SBA’s Access to Capital

The SBA’s Access to Capital Information Session provides established and aspiring small business owners with insight into the criteria used by loan officers to evaluate a loan request along with an overview of SBA’s Financing Programs.

This training demystifies the lending process by walking participants through the key criteria that financial institutions use to assess creditworthiness and risk.

Participants will learn about the "Five Cs of Credit": Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions and how each factor plays a role in a lender’s decision making process.

By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to assemble more compelling loan applications and improve their chances of approval.

Latifa has served on the SBA Michigan District Office’s Lender Relations team since 2015, supporting lenders and small businesses with SBA loan programs.

She also manages the district’s microlender network. With over 25 years in economic development, her previous roles include Deputy Director at Tejara Global and Senior Consultant at the Michigan SBDC.

Latifa holds an MBA from Eastern Michigan University and a BS in Accounting from Wayne State, and has received multiple awards for leadership and service.