Coleman Report

January 9, 2025 by Bob ColemanFounder & Publisher Fraud Friday: KeyBank Settles PPP Case for $7.7 Million After Branch Manager Loan Fraud Scheme KeyBank has agreed to pay $7.7 million to settle allegations tied to a PPP loan fraud scheme involving a rogue branch manager. The fraud centered on Tommy Hawkins, a branch manager who…

January 8, 2025 by Bob ColemanFounder & Publisher Movers & Shakers: Harvest Expands Leadership with Two Regional Sales Managers to Lead the Southwest Dean Haidl Appointed by Harvest as EVP Regional Sales Manager, Southwest Region With more than 30 years of experience in SBA lending, Dean brings a unique perspective shaped by work across both…

January 8, 2025 by Bob ColemanFounder & Publisher Movers & Shakers: William “Bill” Kirk Sworn in as Inspector General of the U.S. Small Business Administration “It is a privilege to be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate to serve in this vital position,” says Inspector General William “Bill” Kirk. “I look forward…

January 7, 2025 by Bob ColemanFounder & Publisher A Coleman Conversation: Bill Briggs In the first 2026 episode of A Coleman Conversation, Bob Coleman speaks with Bill Briggs, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, about the SBA’s priorities for supporting small businesses, expanding manufacturing finance, and strengthening partnerships with lenders. Bill discusses the new…

Your SBA lending team is invited to participate in Coleman’s 33rd annual SBA department compensation survey. Read about the report here Survey results will be bundled and sold along with other essential data needed to support your compensation plan to all stakeholders. Although survey participants will remain anonymous, they may submit an email address to…

January 6, 2025 by Bob ColemanFounder & Publisher SBA Hot Topic Tuesday: SBA Halts Minnesota SBDC Funding in Response to Somali PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud SBA has responded to the evolving Somali loan fraud scandal by immediately halting funding for the following Minnesota state programs: In a letter to Governor Tim Walz, SBA Administrator…

January 5, 2026 by Bob Coleman Founder & Publisher Main Street Monday: Comerica Small Biz Outlook for 2026, 79% Project Sales Increase, 57% Need Financing “Small businesses have navigated a year filled with challenges—from tariffs and inflation to a prolonged government shutdown—yet their optimism remains unwavering,” says Larry Franco, Comerica Bank Executive Vice President and…

January 2, 2025 by Bob ColemanFounder & Publisher Fraud Friday: 2025’s Biggest Fraudsters — Where Are They Now? 1. Stephanie Hockridge (Blueacorn) 2. Nathan Reis (Blueacorn) 3. Kerri Agee (Banc-serv) 4. Hector Barreto (former SBA Administrator) 5. Kris Roglieri Watch Fraud Friday on YouTube here

December 30, 2025 Bob ColemanFounder & Publisher Hot Topic Tuesday: SBA Extends Franchise Re-Certification Deadline to June 30, 2026 SBA’s Office of Capital Access issued the notice below on December 23, extending the Franchise Re-Certification deadline. Dear SBA Lender: For Franchise Brands that were listed on the SBA Franchise Directory as of May 2023, SBA…

December 29, 2025 Bob ColemanFounder & Publisher Main Street Monday: B of A Says Small Business Small Business Saturday a Success but Profit Margins are Disappearing Small business owners found some seasonal breathing room in November, but the underlying direction is starting to turn. Profits stayed positive, helped by holiday-driven activity like Small Business Saturday.…