1 - The Inside Scoop on the SBA's Latest SOPs

Welcome to the inaugural episode of CVBBA Insights: Thrive in ‘25 – I’m your host, Heather Valeri, Board Member of the Carolinas-Virginia Business Brokers Association. It’s an honor to bring you timely insights and expert conversations to help you thrive—no matter where you are on your business journey.

Today, we’re kicking things off with a topic that impacts buyers, sellers, brokers, and lenders alike: the latest updates to the SBA’s Standard Operating Procedures. These changes can open new doors—but only if you know how to navigate them.

I’m joined by two outstanding guests:

• 
  

  Joe Diggs, Vice President & Business Development Officer, SBA Lending Division 

  
  


• 
  

  Jim Frey, SVP - Business Development Officer at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending.

  
  

Together, we’ll unpack what these SOP changes mean for small business owners, brokers, and lending partners—and how you can stay ahead in this evolving landscape.

Let’s dive in!

Have more questions? Get into contact with today's guest:

Jim Frey, SVP - Business Development Officer

Gulf Coast Small Business Lending 

(724) 259-3182

[email protected]

Joe Diggs, Vice President 

Business Development Officer, SBA Lending Division

Fidelity Bank

Charlotte, NC (Remote Office)

Direct: 919-753-1084

[email protected]