The U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA" or "the Agency") is amending the Certified Development Company ("CDC") Loan Program (the "CDC Program" or the "504 Program") in order to improve delivery of the 504 Program to small businesses. The most significant regulations changed are those governing a CDC's area of operations; a CDC's organizational structure; the requirements for a new CDC or a CDC requesting to expand its territory; the "adequately served" standard; and whether a CDC may participate in other SBA loan programs. Also, to allow for greater delegation of authority to CDCs, the rule includes expanded sections on the Accredited Lender Program ("ALP"), the Premier Certified Lender Program ("PCLP") and a simplification and clarification of the enforcement provisions for CDCs. The amendments also clarify the regulations governing fees that a small business may and may not be charged.