Uniondale, NY – February 27, 2026 – Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. and Empire Government Strategies hosted SBA Capital Program Updates, a program focused on recent changes to lending and capital programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the impact of these initiatives on businesses across Long Island. The event was held at the firms’ offices in Uniondale and featured insights from government, banking, and industry leaders, including representatives from ConnectOne Bank.
The program brought together business owners, financial professionals, and regional leaders to discuss new SBA initiatives, enhancements to the SBA 7(a) loan program, and expanded access to capital for manufacturers and growing businesses. Discussions also highlighted opportunities available in fiscal year 2026 and how SBA-backed financing continues to support business expansion and job creation across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
The program opened with remarks from Steven Kuperschmid, Partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, followed by insights from Catherine Fee, President of Empire Government Strategies.
Featured speakers included Matt Coleman, Regional Administrator for the Atlantic Region of the U.S. Small Business Administration; Troy Diaz, Lead Lender Relations Specialist with the SBA Metro New York District Office; Kevin Santacroce, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at ConnectOne Bank; and David Canet, Managing Director of SBA Lending at ConnectOne Bank.
Presentations focused on several key updates to SBA programs, including the introduction of the Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan, a financing option designed specifically to support American manufacturers. Speakers also discussed fee waivers for certain manufacturing loans, updates to SBA lending policies, and strategies for small businesses seeking financing for real estate, equipment, working capital, and business expansion.
The data shared by SBA leadership highlights just how strong the momentum is locally:
Record SBA Lending in Nassau & Suffolk – FY25
Launch of the Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan — the first SBA loan dedicated exclusively to American manufacturers (NAICS 31–33), offering:
Small Manufacturing Loan Fee Waivers (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)
The event concluded with a question and answer session and networking opportunity, allowing attendees to connect directly with SBA representatives, lenders, and fellow business leaders.
“At ConnectOne, we support the unique needs of businesses by providing tailored financial solutions,” said Kevin Santacroce, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at ConnectOne Bank. “As an SBA Preferred Lender, we have an expanded array of products and services to support those who drive the robust Long Island economy. We are eager to leverage the new SBA enhancements to provide the flexible capital and high-touch banking that allows our small businesses to scale, innovate, and create lasting economic impact in our communities.”
“Thanks to Empire Government Strategies and Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., for hosting this great forum. Under President Trump and Administrator Kelly Loeffler, the SBA delivered record capital last year nationally, statewide, and on Long Island – nearly $2.1 billion to over 5,500 Empire State small businesses,” said SBA Atlantic Regional Administrator Matt Coleman. “A White House appointee who oversees the federal agency’s operations throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “The Metro New York District accounted for 77% of that total, providing $1.63 billion to support 25,600 jobs. And on Long Island, traditional lending hit a record number – $461.6 million, or a 33% increase over the Biden-Harris Administration’s final year.”
“Administrator Loeffler has delivered on President Trump’s economic agenda, putting America First. This administration is not only making history but is creating generational wealth into the Long Island ecosystem. By combining SBA-backed growth with Working Family Tax Cuts, No Tax on Tips, and enhanced small business deductions, we’re lowering costs and putting money back into the pockets of our neighbors on Main Street.”
About Empire Government Strategies
Empire Government Strategies is the Government Relations arm to Ruskin Moscou Faltischek. Empire provides strategic planning and execution of government relations and economic development initiatives for clients, as well as identifies, cultivates and secures new opportunities for their client base. Empire analyzes political and legislative trends to identify opportunities and risks for clients, delivers actionable insights and recommendations, and identifies potential sources of funding from federal, state, local and private sources.
About Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.
For over 50 years, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C., headquartered in Uniondale, has built a reputation as one of the region’s leading providers of innovative legal services. Its attorneys are practical, experienced advocates who measure their success by their clients’ success. Cornerstone groups in all major practice areas of the law are represented at the firm, including corporate and securities, corporate restructuring & bankruptcy, commercial lending, commercial litigation, intellectual property, health care, real estate, employment, not-for-profit, cybersecurity and data privacy, energy, and trusts and estates. Clients include large and mid-sized corporations, privately held businesses, institutions and individuals.
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