Ever hit a wall with government paperwork and wondered if it was even worth it?

In this month’s Business Banter with Tom and Kerry, we dig into the SBA Disaster Loan process and why a “no” doesn’t always mean the end. Tom shares what really happens behind the scenes, the hoops you’ll need to jump through, and why persistence pays off. If your business has felt the squeeze from the bridge closure, this one’s for you.

If there’s one thing our local business owners have proven time and again, it’s resilience. The White River Bridge closure has tested that grit, but it’s also highlighted the strength of this community. Still, I keep hearing the same question from folks navigating the SBA Disaster Loan process: Why is this so complicated, and what do I do if I get denied?

So of course, I turned to Tom for some real talk on what the process actually looks like and how to keep pushing forward when things get bumpy.

Kerry: Tom, there’s a lot of confusion out there. From your experience, what’s the truth about how this process really works?

Tom: For small business owners impacted by the bridge closure, I really need to get the word out on how the SBA disaster loan process works from my personal experience. I want to educate business owners so they don’t see a denial or rejection and give up. Just like any government funded program, there are necessary steps that can be easy to misconstrue as dead ends when they are really just part of the process.

For the bomb cyclone, I had eight applications either for my own companies or for businesses I was helping. Not a single one went through without some sort of hang up, including denials and rejections. Typically, the issues had to do with needing extra ID verification or IRS transcripts that wouldn’t go through. And then of course there were blatant denials for no apparent reason.

In every case, it was just another step to get through. It was never a dead end. The letter you receive might require you to apply for reconsideration and jump through a few more hoops. Yes, it feels bureaucratic. Yes, there are more steps than seem necessary. And yes, it is a pain. But in the end, all eight applications were approved and funded.

Kerry: That’s wild. So for our businesses dealing with the bridge closure, are you seeing the same kind of thing happening now?

Tom: Exactly the same thing. In fact, I’ve seen the SBA decline a local restaurant because they didn’t believe the bridge closure was impacting them. This restaurant had been experiencing a 20 percent reduction in revenues, so without a doubt there was an impact. There were zero legitimate reasons for the SBA to deny that request other than the process itself and the steps that seem to come with applying for SBA disaster loans.

Kerry: So what are the most common issues business owners should be ready for when they apply?

Tom: There are two common experiences that seem to happen over and over. The first is receiving an “Application Withdrawn” notice because the IRS couldn’t provide your tax transcript on their first request. About half of the applications I submitted went through this. There is no clear reason for it, but in every case, we simply clicked the link for reconsideration, refilled the transcript request, and resubmitted. The second time, the transcripts always went through.

The second experience happens when the IRS needs to verify identity for fraud prevention. This usually looks like a request for ID verification that must be answered quickly, typically within 48 hours. If that deadline is missed, they will withdraw your application. Again, it is not the end of the road. You can click reconsideration and resubmit the requested documents like ID and social security verification.

Kerry: So bottom line, a denial or withdrawal doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done?

Tom: Exactly. A denial is not the end of the line. You will most likely get some sort of denial or withdrawal notice at some point. Just keep pressing forward and provide whatever was asked for next. If you are denied because they say you are “not eligible,” submit a reconsideration with bank statements or profit and loss reports. Most of the time, that will get you back on track.

Kerry: That’s such great advice, especially for people who might have thrown in the towel too soon. Anything else you want our business community to know?

Tom: Thankfully, we’re almost through this. The bridge is in the painting phase now, and repairs are moving forward. It sounds like the official timeframe is still set for the original November 1 to November 15 completion, and all signs look positive that we’ll make or beat those dates. My biggest message is this: please continue to support your small businesses. They are still struggling, but we’re all here and getting through this together.

Kerry’s Takeaway: If you’ve been denied, do not give up. The system may feel frustrating, but as Tom said, a rejection is rarely the end. Stay persistent, stay organized, and stay connected with resources that can help. And as always, the best way to support our community is to keep showing up for our local businesses. We’re getting through this together.

Business Banter with Tom & Kerry appears monthly in the Courier-Herald, offering local insight, practical advice, and plenty of real talk for business owners.

Kerry Solmonsen is the Executive Director of the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce and community advocate with a passion for helping local businesses grow and thrive. With a background in leadership, sales, nonprofit development, and business development, she brings both heart and hustle to her work. Whether she’s organizing a parade, launching a community initiative, or championing small-town entrepreneurship, Kerry is all about connection, collaboration, and creating momentum that matters.

Thomas Sauvageau is a lifelong entrepreneur and seasoned business coach with a passion for helping small business owners succeed. Over the past 20+ years, he’s owned or partnered in more than 30 businesses across industries like finance, real estate, and hospitality, many of them right here in our community. While he’s no stranger to the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, Tom’s true calling is helping others grow thriving, values-driven companies. As a Certified EOS Implementer®, he now works with business owners across the region to bring structure, clarity, and momentum to their vision. www.eosworldwide.com/thomas-sauvageau