-
How Does a SBA Loan Work?
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are a type of financing that the U.S. government provides to small businesses and entrepreneurs to encourage economic growth. The SBA doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders, community development organizations, and micro-lending institutions.
Here’s how the process generally works:
1. **Choose the Right Loan:** The SBA offers several different types of loans, so you’ll need to determine which one is the best fit for your business. Some of the most common ones include the 7(a) Loan Program for general small business loans, the Microloan Program for smaller loans, the 504 Loan Program for commercial real estate and equipment purchases, and the Disaster Loan Program for businesses affected by disasters.
2. **Find a Lender:** Not all banks and lenders offer SBA loans, so you’ll need to find one that does. The SBA provides a Lender Match tool on its website to help connect you with suitable lenders.
3. **Prepare Your Application:** Each SBA loan program has its own eligibility requirements, but generally, you’ll need to provide information about your business, a detailed business plan, financial statements, information on any existing debt, and personal financial information.
4. **Apply for the Loan:** Submit your loan application to your chosen lender, who will review your application and make a decision about whether or not to offer you a loan. If they approve your application, they’ll submit it to the SBA.
5. **SBA Review:** The SBA will then review your application. If it approves the loan, it will provide a guarantee to the lender, which essentially insures a portion of the loan against default. This guarantee can cover up to 85% of the loan amount, depending on the loan program.
6. **Receive Your Funds:** If your loan is approved by both the lender and the SBA, you’ll receive your funds and can begin using them for your intended business purposes.
Keep in mind that while SBA loans can provide much-needed capital for small businesses, they also come with certain costs, such as interest and fees, and require repayment over a set period of time. It’s important to understand the terms of your loan before accepting it.