WASHINGTON -- The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will host a live Web and telephone seminar that focuses on changes to SBA Lending Programs resulting from the Recovery Act. These loan programs represent opportunities for banks to provide long-term financing to small business customers who would not otherwise be able to find the type of financing that allows them to preserve capital for long-term growth. The event will take place on September 21, 2009 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. (EDT).

SBA Lending Programs can be attractive to banks because these loans can retain and attract customers, assist in risk and liquidity management, provide fee and interest income, and may be given positive consideration under the Community Reinvestment Act under certain conditions.

Participants will have an opportunity to ask panelists questions during the seminar, online or by telephone. Panelists include Barry Wides, OCC Deputy Comptroller for Community Affairs; Grady B. Hedgespeth, Director, Office of Financial Assistance, Small Business Administration; and Pat Thomson, President, Grow America Fund, National Development Council.

The OCC live Web and telephone seminar program is part of the agency’s educational outreach program to the banking community by allowing people from across the country to listen to OCC experts and industry professionals. The cost of the seminar is $75.

For information or to register online, visit http://www.occ.gov/up_event.htm or call (800) 775-7654 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CDT).