The Small Business Administration (SBA) has made a significant move to support faith-based organizations by establishing a new Center for Faith. This initiative marks a departure from previous policies that restricted access to federal disaster relief loans for faith organizations under the Biden administration. The SBA’s new center aims to empower faith-based businesses, community organizations, and houses of worship by providing them with better access to capital, counseling, and government contracting opportunities.
In a statement released on Monday, the SBA announced the creation of the Center for Faith, which will be led by Janna Bowman, the director of faith outreach for the agency. “We are thrilled to announce our first-ever Center for Faith at the SBA to improve access to agency resources for the faith community,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “This initiative ensures that all SBA programs are accessible to eligible Americans, regardless of their religious affiliation.”
One of the key changes accompanying this initiative is the repeal of a regulation that prohibited entities primarily engaged in religious teaching or counseling from applying for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). These loans are crucial for small businesses and nonprofit organizations that find themselves unable to meet financial obligations during declared disaster situations. The SBA emphasizes that faith-related organizations are now eligible for disaster relief, a shift that aligns with the principles of religious freedom foundational to the United States.
The SBA’s decision to rescind the previous administration’s restrictions comes in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the 2017 case, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer. In this case, the court ruled that denying a church access to a public benefit while providing it to secular organizations violated the First Amendment. This landmark decision has paved the way for a more inclusive approach to federal support for faith-based organizations.
Loeffler stated, “We are committed to ending the era of weaponized government that has systematically discriminated against Americans of faith — even denying them access to vital disaster relief in times of tragedy.” This statement reflects a broader commitment within the current administration to uphold religious freedoms and support faith-based initiatives.
The establishment of the Center for Faith is not an isolated effort. Following President Trump’s executive order in February 2025, which established the White House Faith Office, several other federal agencies have launched similar initiatives. These include the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others, all aiming to foster partnerships between the government and faith-based entities.
As the SBA moves forward with this initiative, it underscores the importance of religious freedom in America and the role that faith-based organizations play in community resilience and support. The Center for Faith is a step toward ensuring that these organizations have the necessary resources to thrive and contribute positively to society.
For more information on the SBA’s Center for Faith and its initiatives, you can visit the official SBA website.
This exciting development is sure to resonate with many within the Christian community, as it reflects a growing recognition of the vital role that faith organizations play in the fabric of American society. As we witness these changes unfold, it is a reminder of the ongoing journey toward ensuring that all Americans can freely practice their faith without unnecessary barriers.