The Hustle Act.

SB 651, "The Hustle Act," establishes North Carolina's Small Business Capital Access Act to improve financing for underserved small businesses and Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). It creates a new Office of Small Business Capital Access within the Department of Commerce and a 11-member Oversight Board to manage a program offering loan guarantees (up to 90% for MWBEs, 80% for others), direct investments, and technical assistance. The program targets businesses headquartered in North Carolina, operating for at least one year, with demonstrated growth potential but denied traditional financing, prioritizing those in low-income or rural communities. Key provisions include requiring qualified lenders (like community banks and CDFIs) to provide loans covered by state guarantees, with funds directed toward business expansion, equipment, or working capital.