SBA Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various programs to support small businesses with funding, counseling, and assistance. Below is an overview of the different SBA programs, their general requirements, and specific insights based on additional data.
1. 7(a) Loan Program
Overview:
The 7(a) Loan Program is the SBA's primary program for providing financial assistance to small businesses. It offers loans to help with real estate purchases, equipment, working capital, and more.
General Requirements:
Operate for profit.
Be considered a small business as defined by SBA.
Demonstrate a need for the loan.
Use the loan proceeds for a sound business purpose.
Not be delinquent on any existing debt obligations to the U.S. government.
2. 504 Loan Program
Overview:
The 504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as land and buildings.
General Requirements:
Operate as a for-profit company in the United States.
Have a tangible net worth of less than $15 million.
Have an average net income of $5 million or less after federal income taxes for the preceding two years.
Use the funds for fixed asset projects (e.g., purchasing land, improvements, construction, and renovation).
3. Microloan Program
Overview:
The Microloan Program provides small, short-term loans to small businesses and certain types of not-for-profit childcare centers.
General Requirements:
Be a small business or a not-for-profit childcare center.
Use loan proceeds for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and machinery/equipment.
Cannot use the funds to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate.
4. SBA Express Loan Program
Overview:
The SBA Express Loan Program offers a simplified application process for loans up to $350,000, with a faster turnaround time.
General Requirements:
Meet the eligibility criteria for 7(a) loans.
Apply through an SBA Express lender.
Use the loan for business purposes, including working capital, equipment, real estate, or business acquisition.
5. Export Working Capital Program (EWCP)
Overview:
The EWCP provides financing to support export activities of small businesses.
General Requirements:
Be in business for at least 12 months (exceptions can be made).
Demonstrate the ability to generate export sales.
Use funds for export-related activities (e.g., purchase orders, inventory, and accounts receivable).
6. International Trade Loan Program
Overview:
This program offers loans to small businesses engaged or preparing to engage in international trade or adversely affected by import competition.
General Requirements:
Demonstrate that the loan will significantly expand or develop an export market or demonstrate that the business has been adversely affected by import competition.
Meet the eligibility criteria for the 7(a) loan program.
Use the funds for working capital, equipment, facilities, or debt refinancing related to international trade.
7. SBA Disaster Loans
Overview:
The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters.
General Requirements:
Be located in a declared disaster area.
Suffer substantial economic injury or physical damage due to the disaster.
Use funds to cover uninsured losses.
8. SBA Community Advantage Loans
Overview:
The Community Advantage Loan Program aims to increase access to credit for small businesses in underserved markets.
General Requirements:
Be a small business located in an underserved market.
Meet the eligibility criteria for the 7(a) loan program.
Use the loan proceeds for business purposes, including working capital, equipment, real estate, or business acquisition.
9. SBA CAPLines
Overview:
CAPLines provides five different lines of credit to help small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working capital needs.
General Requirements:
Meet the eligibility criteria for the 7(a) loan program.
Use the funds for seasonal working capital needs, contract costs, construction costs, or to finance operational needs.
10. SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Overview:
This program helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace by providing access to business development resources and government contracts.
General Requirements:
Be a small business.
Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
Demonstrate potential for success and good character.
Have been in business for at least two years (with some exceptions).
11. SBA FastTrack™ Program
Overview:
The SBA FastTrack™ Program provides streamlined financing solutions for small businesses with quick approval times.
General Requirements:
Minimum FICO Score: 700 Equifax model v9.
Minimum SBSS (small business scoring system) Score: 170.
Time in Business: At least 2 years.
Felonies: Not allowed.
Use the funds for business purposes, including working capital, equipment, real estate, or business acquisition.