SBA Small Business Loans and How They Can Be Used
By Bob D. Foster
Small Business Administration (SBA) business loans come in several sizes and forms. Of
course, the SBA does not actually "loan" the money, they only "guarantee" loans made
through banks and other financial institutions. However, depending on the size of your
business and the stage your business development is in, one of the SBA business loan
programs may work for you.
The first thing you need to determine is whether or not the SBA considers your business
a "small business". It is generally thought that the standard of 500 or fewer employees
comprises a "small business." However, that is not always the case. The SBA has
definitions for small businesses that run from a maximum of 100 employees to 1,500
employees...and from a maximum of $0.75 million in annual revenue, to $27.0 million in
annual revenue.
So, your first job is to determine if your business is really considered a "small
business." You can do this by contacting your local SBA District Office, or online at
sba.gov.
The 7(a) SBA loan
The most popular of SBA business loans is their 7(a) loan program. Money from this loan
can be used for just about any business purpose, and you should apply for this loan
through your regular bank. You will need to present a complete business plan when you make
your application. Even though the SBA does not make the actual loan, you will have to
follow the SBA loan application process.
What this means is that both the bank and the SBA must approve your loan. Both you and
your business (if it is currently operating) must have a good credit standing when you
make your application. Also, if your bank turns down your loan application--that's
it...there is nothing the SBA can do at this point to help you. Your best bet then is to
improve your business plan and look for another bank.
CDC/504 SBA Loan
This is a well-used program, but it is used strictly to purchase the assets of a
business, or to pay for physical improvements. The money cannot be used for working
capital, refinancing, or repaying debt. This loan program must also be handled through
your bank (or other financial institution), so that is where you should start.
SBA Micro-loan
This program was intended for short-term loans, with a maximum of $35,000. The SBA has
designated only certain lenders to process these loans. This specific program has not
worked well because of the excessive paperwork and government bureaucracy, but it is
always worth discussing with your banker, or your nearest SBA District Office.
Export Express Loan
The SBA export express loan is for those small businesses that have problems financing
exports...usually due to the lengthy time required to process typical export loans. In
this program the SBA guarantees up to 90 percent on export loans and gives an approval
response in less than 24 hours. Eligibility is the same as for 7(a) loans, but you must
have been in business for at least 12 months.
Community Express Program
This is currently a very popular program because Sam's Club has partnered with an SBA
business lender to provide low interest rate loans to smaller businesses. The minimum loan
is $5,000 and the maximum loan is $25,000. You can actually make an online application for
this loan at samsclub.com (click on Services). The program was initially set up to make
quick decisions on loans in "underserved" communities, and was then expanded through the
"Community Reinvestment Act."
That is a brief overview of the major programs for SBA business loans. Most of these
programs can be reached through your local bank, or directly from your local SBA District Office.
Bob D. Foster has worked for several decades as a business consultant, turnaround
specialist, and successful entrepreneur. With a direct and unorthodox approach, Bob
specializes in helping people start new businesses and saving those that have been deemed
unsalvageable. For a look at a broad offering of business solutions and resources, check
out Bob's web site at
Business Solutions and Resources
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