Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

After much searching I havent found a single positive posting about the Patriot Express Program here.  I may have missed one, as I am extremely disappointed with what I experienced so far.  Coming up on retirement.  Looking for $135k to purchase an existing, money making small restaurant that my wife has been basically running for the past 11 years.  Been denied the Patriot Express program 4 times so far as I dont happen to have $40-50k in the bank etc.

I know I havent put all the details in here, but am extremely discouraged.  So many damn handouts by our current administration, and a 25 year veteran of taxation cant get a loan on a proven business! Where's MY handout (that I would repay)?!?

I've tried 2 different pre-qualify lending places and with even have 60% of my own cash and equipment I can't make it past the pre-qual stage. My SBA agent doesn't even know of any bank that does it. Again another figgin joke on the Vets

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Hello,

Know this post is older, but just wanted to comment. Here it is 2012 and I still don't see the Patriot Express loan as a benefit to veterans. I applied for the $50K loan back in 2010, when my firm actually had a contract in hand and was guaranteed to see revenue far beyond $50K. Well we only received $10K, which I would have been better off going and getting a credit card or a signature loan. We now are on track to do $2.5M for 2012, but doubt if we would even get $50K via the patriot express loan. Veterans please write your congress, representatives, and SBA and let them know that this loan has to be overhauled or veteran business will never be able to prosper. In my opinion, those who have received large loans through the program already had a relationship with the loan officer or underwriters of the bank; another issue that needs to be fixed.  

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