Wachovia Helping Small Businesses

Wachovia is the number one small business lender in the markets we serve. We recognize that successful small businesses provide employment, economic growth and quality of life for our communities.

To help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, Wachovia makes small business loans, credit cards, mortgages, and vehicle and equipment leasing available through our dedicated Small Business Bankers, an extensive branch network, telephone contact centers, and the Internet.

Through an active partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA), we also offer 7(a), 504, Express, and Community Express programs. You can learn more about all our small business credit options in Small Business.

Offering credit is just the beginning of our commitment to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses. The following topics provide more information on ways we support growing businesses:

Direct Investments

With more than $52 million invested in community development-related equity funds, Wachovia is making a difference in communities nationwide. We support small businesses through direct investments in:

These investments help create jobs, grow small business capital, and revitalize inner cities. Visit Community Commitment for more details about our community efforts.

Agricultural Lending

The agriculture industry is constantly in change—with varying levels of crop production, there are often large variations in cash flow and fluctuating commodity prices. Wachovia knows that farmers need financial flexibility, and we provide it through a range of loan products, including loans up to $500,000 for small farmers engaged in crop, livestock, poultry, produce, fruit, and dairy production.

We also offer loans to agribusiness operations that support farming and livestock industries such as seed, feed, fertilizer, and chemical dealers, plus equipment sales and service. Visit our Small Business Lending Center to find out more.

Management Guidance

Many small business owners need information and assistance with various issues regarding business management. We offer guidance on how to manage a small business, self-service reference materials, and seminars on small business topics. These initiatives are tailored to the needs of each audience, but can include the involvement of the SBA or local governments, and speakers on business planning and financing options.

Support for Women-Owned Businesses

Through an alliance with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), we help to provide educational programs, sponsorships, and personal finance advice to support NAWBO chapters on a local level. This program features a Web site that offers resources and information specifically tailored to the business and personal needs of women business owners. The site includes education on managing money, obtaining financing, building wealth, and small business services. In addition, Wachovia has committed to a goal of lending $5 billion through 2005 to support women business owners.

National Minority Supplier Development Council

Wachovia is a strong supporter of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), through sponsorship of programs and activities. These initiatives provide opportunities for small businesses to gain information, pursue education, network with other minority businesses, and develop business opportunities.

Supplier Diversity Commitment

Our Supplier Diversity Team’s mission is to develop minority- and women-owned business enterprises that meet Wachovia’s requirements for products and services. This will help to enhance the economic vibrancy of Wachovia's communities. Learn more about becoming a supplier in Strategic Sourcing.

Diversity Market Segments

Wachovia’s Diversity Market Segments team is dedicated to identifying the product and service requirements of our multi-cultural/multi-ethnic society. Diversity Market Segments leverages relationships with Wachovia lines of business—as well as internal departments like Human Resources, Supplier Diversity, Customer Analytics, and Corporate Marketing—to increase business with a diverse range of customers.

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HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES