Hispanic Chamber links banks and loan applicants
July 22, 2007
 At the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s cocktail party announcing the new Loan Link program, from left, Armando Trabanco, the chamber’s immediate past chairman; Ralph Gonzalez Jacobo, chairman-elect; Liliam M. Lopez, chamber president/CEO; and Jorge Hernandez, vice president of US Century Bank. |
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has launched an innovative program matching businesses looking for loans with banks willing to make them.
Called “Loan Link,” it is the concept of past chamber chairman Armando Trabanco of US Century Bank. A dozen banks in the chamber are participating, and within the first few weeks of the program all of them already have received applications.
“We find that everyday it becomes more difficult for small business owners to obtain financing for their businesses,” Trabanco said, noting that this is a good way for chamber members to help each other.
Chamber president Liliam M. Lopez explained that each of the lenders has provided the chamber staff with information about the kinds of loans they make. When an application comes in, the chamber staff refers that applicant to the appropriate lender.
“Within 48 hours of submitting the application to the chamber office, the applicant is contacted by the lender, who provides guidance, assistance and information on personal or business loans,” Lopez said. “It’s a very simple process that just takes a few minutes to complete.”
“Loan Link provides direct help to those needing a loan, thus avoiding the sometimes impossibility of getting help on the phone from any particular financial institution,” she said, noting that the chamber involvement cuts through the red tape.
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce began 13 years ago as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the City of Miami Beach, and has grown into a countywide organization over the years, holding meetings in various locations. It has 650 members and many interesting activities. Meetings are conducted in English.
Go to the Organizations Page and click on the SFLHCC logo to access the website. There’s a link on the home page to the Loan Link application, if you want to review it. Or you can call 305-534-1903.
