The current federal government shutdown has temporarily halted many Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, including lending activity. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, this pause can create real uncertainty—especially for those who were preparing to close on financing to fund growth, equipment purchases, or payroll.
While SBA lending may be on hold until the government reopens, there is an important source of capital that remains available: investment crowdfunding under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF).
A Pathway That Stays Open
Reg CF was established by the SEC to give small businesses a compliant way to raise capital directly from both accredited and non-accredited investors. Unlike SBA programs that depend on federal appropriations and agency staffing, Reg CF offerings remain available during a government shutdown.
This means that entrepreneurs can continue to prepare, launch, and promote their offerings to potential investors—even when other financing programs are paused. For many small businesses, that continuity matters.
FundingHope’s Role as a Funding Portal
FundingHope operates as a neutral intermediary—not a lender or grant provider—helping small businesses access capital through Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF). As an SEC-registered, FINRA-member funding portal, our responsibility is to provide a secure and compliant environment where businesses can present their offerings and investors can review them.
Instead of relying on traditional loans, businesses on FundingHope pursue a different path: raising investment directly from a community of supporters who believe in their vision. Our role is not to promote or recommend specific offerings, but to ensure transparency, compliance, and accessibility so that entrepreneurs can legally share their opportunity with potential investors.
In times when traditional funding sources may be unavailable—such as the pause in SBA lending during a government shutdown—crowdfunding remains open. FundingHope helps ensure that small businesses still have a pathway to move forward with their growth plans in a fair and transparent way.
Moving Forward During Uncertainty
Economic disruptions remind us of the importance of diversification in capital access. Government programs, private financing, and crowdfunding each play unique roles. When one closes temporarily, others can provide continuity.
If your business is exploring ways to move forward during the shutdown, Reg CF may be worth considering as part of your capital strategy.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any investment in a Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) offering involves risk and should only be made after careful review of the full offering materials and consultation with qualified advisors. FundingHope, LLC is an SEC-registered, FINRA-member funding portal.