[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 1 (Monday, January 8, 2001)]
[Pages 3-4]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Memorandum on Providing Loans to Small Businesses Facing High Energy 
Costs

December 30, 2000

Memorandum for the Administrator of the Small Business Administration

Subject: Providing Loans to Small Businesses Facing High Energy Costs

    Increased demand for energy and a colder than normal winter has led 
to higher than normal energy costs. Because many small businesses lack 
significant capital reserves, they may lack the resources or cash flow 
to meet higher energy bills.
    In order to assist such businesses, I am directing you to begin 
aggressive outreach programs to potential borrowers, SBA lenders, and 
other partners to make them aware of the SBA lending and technical 
assistance programs that are available to assist small businesses that 
may need assistance in meeting energy bills. SBA-guaranteed loans offer 
eligible small businesses sufficient cash to continue to meet their 
immediate energy needs and will allow them to spread their energy 
payments over a longer period than

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the payment period typically provided by their vendors.
                                            William J. Clinton