In this special edition of the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast, hosts Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA of Meridian Business Advisors and Colette Kemp of SureStep Business Advisors sit down with one of the Southeast’s most trusted SBA lenders — Erica Gregg Parker, VP SBA Lending, Fidelity Bank — to unpack what the recent government shutdown really means for deal flow. Brokers and business owners have been asking the same questions:      - Are year-end closings still possible?      - Are lenders tightening?      - Will holiday slowdowns make Q1 2026 even worse?      - What’s actually happening with underwriting timelines?   Erica breaks it all down — with clarity, candor, and insights only someone inside the lending world can provide. You'll learn:      - How the shutdown impacted SBA submissions and credit decisions      - Whether 2025 closings are still realistic      - What’s changing in bank appetite as we enter 2026      - Why lenders are being more selective in Q4      - What buyers and sellers must do now to avoid delays      - Bold predictions for Q1–Q2 SBA lending in 2026      - The most common deal-packaging mistakes brokers are making      - How to prepare files so underwriting says “yes” faster If you’re a broker, buyer, or business owner relying on SBA financing, this is the episode to get ahead of the next 90 days. Subscribe, share, and stay informed — it matters more this year than ever.   Supplemental Links      - www.SBA.gov      - www.Sellyourway.com      - www.IBBA.org   Connect with Our Guest Erica Gregg Parker, VP SBA Lending, Fidelity Bank Office: 919-592-5288 Erica.Parker@fidelitybanknc.com  www.fidelitybank.com     Co-Hosts Contact   Colette Kemp Accredited Business Broker  SureStep Business Advisors Call or Text (804)-920-8897 Visit us online or connect with me on social     If you're interested in being a guest or learning more about our CVBBA Insights, please reach out to:   Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA Chairperson, Podcast Committee  Board of Directors, CVBBA  Office: 843-800.2148 Email: hvaleri@meridianballc.com www.meridianbusinessbrokers.com     To learn more about the CVBBA, please check out our website, https://www.cvbba.com/   Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and leave a five-star review on your favorite podcast app!