Cranberry Twp — The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and U.S. Small Business Administration will sponsor a seminar for financial institutions to make them aware of new and expanded lending programs for businesses during the current credit crunch.

This free seminar, "The Road to Recovery: Business and Industry Lending," will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the township municipal center, 2525 Rochester Road. U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4th, will speak.

Representatives of commercial banks, savings and loans and credit unions throughout Western Pennsylvania can attend the seminar that includes lunch.

There will be a presentation by the USDA on Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program funding for Western Pennsylvania lenders. USDA presenters will focus on the new B&I American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding received through the stimulus bill.

The USDA Rural Development of Pennsylvania has more than $98 million in Guaranteed Business & Industry Loan dollars to distribute during this fiscal year.

Officials will explain the Federal Home Loan Bank on its Community Lending Program, an $825 million, noncompetitive revolving loan pool.

Information also will be given from the SBA on enhancements to its 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program and 504 loan program for small businesses.

To register for the free seminar, send an e-mail to rosemarie.massa@pa.usda.gov. Include your name, title, organization, number in your party and contact information.

Program materials also can be requested at that e-mail.