Microloans, Community Advantage Loans, 504 Loans, and 7(a) Loans are just some of the U.S. Small Business Administration-supported loan programs available to budding business owners.
Lenders are wary of new ventures because they lack historical data on the company’s performance. Furthermore, competition for SBA loans is high. Your chances of being approved for an SBA loan will increase if you apply to the right program.
To qualify for the SBA 7(a) or 504 loan program, a company must be established for at least two years and have excellent personal credit (a FICO score of 690 or higher). However, the SBA’s microloan and Community Advantage loan programs target firms. Both choices target low-income and bad-credit new company owners.
Various Loan Options for Startups
The most popular types of loans for new businesses are outlined below.
- SBA loans
New companies like the SBA’s microloan program because it offers up to $50,000. In FY2021, the typical Small Business Administration microloan was $16,557.
Nonprofit community lenders handle SBA microloans, making them easier to apply for than bigger loans. Not all lenders will get enough money.
The SBA’s main 7(a) program offers loans for company growth and other uses. SBA 7(a) loan eligibility is harder. Most lenders only give to well-established firms with security.
Collateral can take the form of anything of value, from land and buildings to machinery and tools. SBA loans applications and approvals can take months, even if you meet all requirements.
- Microloans
Alternative lenders like microlenders and charities may make it easier for start-ups with financial uncertainty to get microloans than the SBA. These banks emphasize lending to minority and low-income small company owners.
Startup funds from mission-driven groups allow you to grow your business and earn credit. That may help you get funds later.
- Online business loans
Loans for businesses with less than two years of history are available from some internet lenders. Having been in operation for at least six months is usually a prerequisite. Various forms of funding, such as short-term loans, lines of credit for new businesses, invoice discounting, and asset financing, may be available to you from various lenders.
However, you should expect lower loan amounts, shorter terms, and higher interest rates than larger, more established businesses.
Starting a business with an SBA loan: the how-to
- Calculate your startup costs. First, calculate your initial loan needs. For the first year, consider permits, licenses, lodging, and pay. Then you can estimate your startup money.
- Create a formal business plan. A well-thought-out business plan shows investors and lenders that you have considered crucial factors like your target market, selling strategy, marketing costs, risks, and rivalry. Start with a budget and expected money. If you can’t show investors long-term income, you’ll need to show short-term success.
- Go with a Loan Provider. After choosing the right SBA loan for new companies, find a supplier. Use the SBA’s supplier Match tool to find a bank, credit union, or community-based provider with your chosen loan program. The SBA insures the debt, but the funding entity chooses whether to approve it.
- Submit a loan application. SBA starting credit applications require different paperwork depending on the loan program and supplier.
You may also need to submit the following paperwork alongside your credit application and company plan:
- Filed by individuals only.
- Forecasts of future cash influx.
- Collateralized list.
- Agreements to buy, or enter into a contract.
If your company is already up and running, financial documents such as Business tax returns will also be required.
- Tax filings for companies.
- The revenue summary and balance report.
- Authorization paperwork for a company.
- Compilation of the company’s present holdings.
From application to payment, a loan can take 30–90 days.
