Introduction
In the spring of 2005, CARAT initiated a research project to study Post Loan Business Assistance programs nationwide. This research will help the industry gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of post-loan programs on small business financial health and sustainability, as well as provide practitioners with best practices and lessons learned that they can apply to their own programs.

The results of this report will be disseminated to the financial services industry, regulators, TA providers and community-based lenders, small businesses, and foundations, and public sector funders.

Data Collection and Survey Instruments
CARAT is collecting in-depth program administration and evaluative information from both the providers of post-loan business assistance, and their clients. We have developed two separate instruments: 1) the provider survey is used by CARAT staff to conduct a phone or in-person interview with a staff member from the provider organization, and 2) the client survey is used by the provider organization to interview 10 of its clients.

Partcipating Organizations
CARAT has a goal of interviewing a minimum of 5 organizations. We have begun interviewing, and are still seeking participants. If you provide Post Loan Technical Assistance provide and are interested in participating in this project, contact Selma Taylor at 510.267.8995