HARRISBURG, Pa. — With more credit unions in the Mid-Atlantic region expressing a desire for business services, the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association is taking another stab at helping implement programs. Business Advisory Services consists of a suite of educational and consulting programs aimed at assisting credit unions that plan to serve small businesses. The association's BAS includes personal, on-site presentations to help CUs with the fundamentals of offering business services. The first step is enlightening board members and senior managers on the initial costs to launch a business services program, revenue potential, skills and staff requirements and NCUA regulations among other areas.

"Throughout Pennsylvania, as well as the Mid-Atlantic region, credit unions are expressing a desire to offer small business loans and related services," said Jim McCormack, PCUA president/CEO. "They are looking for a partner to help them make informed business decisions. Our package of training and planning sessions will facilitate a credit union's entry into the small business market in a safe and sound manner."

BAS also has a consulting component for credit unions with established programs and those poised to start one that helps develop competency in a number of areas including existing loan systems review, market analysis and product development, PCUA said.