Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, most commonly available under the SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and SBA Express programs, are often considered the preeminent financing vehicle for entrepreneurs aspiring to take their ventures to new heights. In this step-by-step guide, we demystify the intricacies of SBA loans, providing small business owners with the clarity they need to harness this powerful financing tool.
1. Understanding SBA Loan Basics
SBA financing is what is known as “government guaranteed business financing” and covers a range of flexible loan programs geared toward small businesses. The SBA supports direct business lenders that facilitate access to capital for small businesses, allowing those lenders to offer favorable terms, lower down payments, a higher loan-to-value (LTV), and longer repayment periods compared to conventional loans. The SBA is not a lender itself, but guarantees the loans made by lenders which it has approved to provide SBA financing (the lender is guaranteed against a default by the borrower, the SBA does not guarantee the loan for the borrower).
2. Eligibility Criteria
The SBA publishes basic eligibility criteria for a small business to qualify for SBA financing, but it is ultimately up to the approved SBA lender to decide if they want to provide a business an SBA loan. While specific requirements vary between programs, common eligibility factors include business size, financial standing, and the ability to demonstrate the need for financial assistance.
3. Choosing the Right SBA Loan Program
With multiple SBA loan programs available, selecting the one that aligns with your business goals is crucial. Whether it’s the SBA 7(a) Loan Program for general financing (working capital, real estate, business purchases, startups, debt consolidation, etc.), the SBA 504 Loan Program which is only for commercial real estate and heavy equipment, or the SBA Express Program for smaller financial needs (usually working capital or small equipment), understanding each option empowers you to make an informed decision.
The business’s required loan size and financing need also plays an important role in choosing the right SBA product. SBA 7(a) loans are usually available from $25,000 to $5M, SBA 504 loans can be provided up to $20M or more, and the maximum loan amount you can receive under the SBA Express program is $500,000.
4. Application Process Demystified
Working with the right business lender will enable you to Borrow Confidently™ while navigating the SBA loan application process. The SBA has made many guidelines changes over the years, and even a few substantial updates in the last year, that has made obtaining SBA financing very simple in most cases. It’s important to work with a lender that offers a streamlined SBA application that offers access to SBA working capital financing days or weeks.
5. Optimizing Your Proposal
Although it is not necessary to have a business plan in place unless you are applying for an SBA business startup loan, you should have a clear idea of what you will use your loan proceeds for and make sure your business is generating cash-flow or has strong income projections. Additionally, SBA loans are usually only available to borrowers with credit scores greater than 650, so it may be necessary for you to access alternative business financing first to help clean up any lagging credit or business issues before applying for SBA financing.
Conclusion
For small business owners seeking superior financial support for their operations, this step-by-step guide illuminates the path to SBA loan success. There is a stigma that the SBA loan application process can be difficult, but working with the right SBA lender will make choosing the best SBA loan a headache-free process. Remember, researching the best business lenders is highly important, because there are many companies that purport to be proficient at SBA loans and are not. Make sure you read business lender reviews to ensure you are able to Borrow Confidently™ when embarking on your SBA loan search.