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How to Keep Your Business or Nonprofit Financially Strong During the Government Shutdown

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

We’re now 29 days into the government shutdown, and many business owners, especially those in the small business and nonprofit sectors, are starting to feel the effects. When federal systems pause, the impact extends far beyond Washington, D.C. It touches real organizations, real budgets, and real people trying to keep things running.

Here’s what this means for your business right now:​

1. SBA Loan Processing Delays

The Small Business Administration (SBA) remains closed, meaning new SBA loan approvals are on hold. If you were counting on SBA funding to expand operations, refinance debt, or purchase equipment, those plans may be temporarily sidelined.

2. Longer Wait Times for Federal Funding

For nonprofits that depend on federal contracts or grants, delays in payment processing are becoming a growing concern. Many are still waiting on disbursements for work already completed or grants already awarded.

3. Tightened Cash Flow

When uncertainty hits, cash flow becomes the most important lifeline. Delayed payments or paused approvals can make it difficult to cover payroll, pay vendors, or maintain operations.

Don’t Be Reactive- Be Proactive

At J&S Accounting, we believe this is the time to get ahead of the challenges, not wait for them to resolve on their own. Now is the moment to assess your financial position, explore alternative funding options, and create a short-term strategy to stay strong while Washington works things out.

Here’s how our team can help:

  • Cash Flow Forecasting: We’ll review your current financials and help you anticipate where cash flow gaps could occur, before they become problems.
  • Funding Support: Although the SBA cannot currently process Community Advantage (7a) or 504 applications due to the shutdown, they still have delegated authority to approve Microloans up to $50,000. In addition, other programs such as the USDA loan program, Georgia SSBCI, and a Direct Loan Fund remain active. If your business is located within the City of Savannah, their local loan program is also still open and accepting applications. We have several trusted contacts we can connect you with if you’d like to explore this funding avenue further.
  • Grant & Program Identification for Nonprofits: For our nonprofit clients, we’ve recently helped organizations uncover alternative programs and private grants they didn’t even know they qualified for. With proactive governance meetings and input from board members, we identified new funding avenues that bridged the gap during shutdowns and budget freeze. 

Stay Strong Through the Shutdown

A government pause doesn’t have to mean your mission pauses, too.

Whether you’re running a business or leading a nonprofit, the key is to plan ahead, adapt, and take action early. At J&S Accounting, we help organizations stay financially resilient, even in uncertain times.


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About J&S Accounting

At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.

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The team at J&S Accounting are like working with trusted friends that you have had for a long time. Janel has personally walked me through my first year with QuickBooks as a small business owner, and has made it so easy and enjoyable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, and is always so affirming of how well I am doing. She really takes her time and you can tell that she cares about her customers and wanting them to feel confident about their business finances. I could not recommend this company enough!

- Kelsey H.

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If I could give J&S 6 stars I would because they go the extra mile every time! I am so glad I found J&S Accounting. The level of professionalism and commitment to supporting small businesses like mine is unmatched. I am so grateful for J&S. I highly recommend!

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J & S Accounting has made such a huge impact in our day to day operations at Kicklighter Resource Center. They are very hands on and truly take the time to educate us, whether in person or through trainings and tutorials. Their customer service and individualized care have remained top tier and we gladly recommend their services.

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Disclaimer:​This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.

© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer

This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.