Speakers

Barbara Arena brings more than 30 years of experience with SBA programs and is recognized as an expert in SBA 504 financing. Since joining Granite State Development Corporation in 2010, she has helped advance the organization’s role as New England’s largest SBA 504 loan program participant, serving businesses across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Barbara has deep expertise structuring SBA 504 projects for restaurants, including start ups, multi unit operators, and owner occupied expansions. Her work includes navigating equipment heavy buildouts, leasehold improvements, and complex project timelines—common challenges in the restaurant industry—while ensuring compliance with SBA requirements and delivering financing solutions that support long term viability.

She serves on the boards of the Realtors Commercial Alliance of Massachusetts and the New England Business Brokers Association and remains active in regional business, volunteer, and charitable organizations. She was named the Massachusetts SBA Financial Services Champion of the Year in 2019 and received the Athena Award from the Metro South Chamber of Commerce in 2023.