U.S. Small Business Administration Names SBA Lafayette an SBA Preferred Lender

SBA Lafayette, one of 14 active Small Business Lending Companies (SBLC) licensed by the SBA to originate 7(a) loans, receives Preferred Lender Program (PLP) designation.

MIAMI, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lafayette Square SBLC, LLC (doing business as SBA Lafayette), today announced being named a Preferred Lender ("PLP") by the U.S. Small Business Administration ("the SBA"). The designation gives SBA Lafayette delegated authority to make SBA 7(a) credit decisions, expediting funding approval. In fiscal year 2025, the SBA backed 77,600 7(a) loans totaling $37 billion, making the program a vital source of capital to American small businesses.

"Our 30-person team brings experience and preparedness to fund borrowers seeking transparent and swift loan decisions from a lender that understands Working-Class people and places," said Rocco Perate, Chief Executive Officer of SBA Lafayette. "It is a privilege to continue my 35-year relationship with the SBA now with the support of Lafayette Square USA, Inc."

Since inception SBA Lafayette has approved 25 loans, including a recent transaction with Manhattan Shade & Associates, a New York manufacturer and installer of high-end window treatments. Proceeds from the loan funded the acquisition of Merrill Y. Landis, Ltd., a family-owned custom window treatment manufacturer in Telford, Pennsylvania. "SBA Lafayette understood that this acquisition was about much more than a transaction; it was about preserving craftsmanship, growing our capabilities, and investing into the fourth generation of our family business," said Mitchell Schulman, Principal, Manhattan Shade & Associates. "Rocco and his team were terrific partners throughout the process, and we are grateful for their commitment to helping us make this opportunity a reality."

About SBA Lafayette
Lafayette Square SBLC, LLC (doing business as SBA Lafayette), is a small business lending company licensed by the SBA to originate SBA 7(a) loans directly to small businesses nationwide. SBA Lafayette is an independent portfolio company of Lafayette Square USA, Inc., an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. SBA Lafayette's investment objective is to originate and fund government-guaranteed loans under the U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) program. For more information, visit www.sbalafayette.com.

Media Contact
Taylor Phillips
Studio Lafayette
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SOURCE SBA Lafayette