Have you ever heard of the SBA 7(a) loan? Well, if you are a small business owner, then you must have info about this loan type.
SBA or Small Business Administration has designed a financial tool (SBA 7(a) loan) so that small business merchants can get their hands on loan money.
SBA doesn’t lend this type of loan to small merchants. Instead, they help them to secure loans for themselves. They do it by limiting fees and capping interest rates.
If you want to get more information about an SBA 7(a) loan, then keep reading this article till the end.
What exactly is an SBA 7(a) Loan?
SBA’s 7(a) loan is a program through which SBA assists small business owners who reside in the United States.
In simple words, when a small business merchant applies for SBA 7(a) loan, the lender gives you the loan and SBA acts as a guarantor.
SBA guarantees a small portion of the total loan amount. SBA’s guarantee is highly valuable because it being a government agency.
Even if small businesses are not able to qualify or give something as a guarantee, SBA comes in and helps them lending the loan.
Often small businesses face uncertain circumstances or lose their revenue. During these difficult times, an SBA loan can be the only ray of hope.
This “do all” loan can help your business to get back up during hard times. You can use the SBA 7(a) loan to acquire equipment, real estate, inventory, and working capital for your business.
SBA 7(a) loans are of different types. For all of these types, the term SBA 7(a) loan is used. Each type of loan has a different purpose.
Since they have a different purpose, the loan amount, guarantee policy, and other details also vary.
How does a SBA 7(a) Loan Work?
Most of the time, small business owners are not able to obtain loans due to reasonable T&Cs. The purpose of the SBA 7(a) loan is to inspire lenders to offer loans to these business owners.
According to an official report, the 2024 fiscal year saw the approval of 52,000 SBA 7(a) loans in the United States. The total amount of money associated with these loans was $23 billion.
The working of the SBA 7(a) loan is simple. A business is only required to find an SBA-approved loan lender. After doing that, they can work on the terms and start the process of getting the SBA 7(a) loan.
Usually, SBA 7(a) loan allows small business owners to obtain up to $5 million. The percentage of guarantee that SBA gives per loan can be up to 85% of the total loan amount. Also, the maximum interest rate is set by SBA. However, it is negotiable between you and the lender.
The interest rates are determined on the basis of the size, maturity, and prime rate of the loan. SBA loans help small merchants by limiting fees and capping interest rates.
What are the Eligibility Requirements of SBA 7(a) Loan?
SBA is always available to support small business owners. However, they have their own eligibility criteria that a business owner must fulfil to get the loan. These requirements are:
- Your business operations must be legal and the company must be registered officially.
- The business owner shouldn’t be on parole.
- The employee count of the business should be less than 500. Also, for the past 3 years, the average annual revenue must less than $7.5 million.
- The net income must be less than $5 million and net-worth should also be under $15 million.
- Your business must reflect invested equity.
- The business is required to be physically in the US. All business operations must be carried out within the US.
- The business industry in which your small business is should be SBA eligible.
- You must reflect that you failed to get all other non-SBA loans.
- You must reflect that you are taking this loan for business purposes.
- There must not be any existing debts of the US government on you or your business.
What are the Advantages of SBA 7(a) Loan?
There are many advantages and benefits of SBA 7(a) loan. One of the best advantages is its cost.
The loan rates of SBA are capped at a fixed percentage. However, they are still above the benchmark rate.
These loan rates allow SBA to offer low interest rates to small business owners. The advantage of low interest is not there when it comes to getting a loan from a non-SBA lender.
Also, the limit amount of borrowing a loan is flexible. You can borrow up to $5 million of the loan amount for your business.
Businesses that don’t have a perfect credit score, can also benefit from SBA 7(a) loan. With SBA’s guarantee, lenders will lend you a loan regardless of your credit score.
What is the Application Process of an SBA 7(a) Loan?
Small Business Administration doesn’t offer direct loans. To apply for the SBA 7(a) loan, you have to partner with an SBA-approved lender.
SBA has a platform called Lender Match. It is a referral platform that allows small business owners to connect with SBA-approved lenders.
After getting along with a lender, your next step must be to gather information and documents. There’s a long list of documents that are required when you apply for the SBA 7(a) loan.
These documents include – personal tax returns, business tax returns, profit/loss statements, business plans, financial statements, etc.
Also, SBA requires you to tell your lender the amount of money you need and for what purpose will you use it. It will give a rough estimate of the down payment that is required.
After all the documentation and collateral, your process of SBA 7(a) loan will begin.
Final Words
Business loans often tend to be complicated and hard to get. However, this is not the case when it comes to the SBA 7(a) loan.
SBA provides much support to small business owners who are going through hardships. Whether it is the amount of money, eligibility requirements, or other terms, the SBA 7(a) loan is highly beneficial.
There are many types of SBA 7(a) loans such as 7(a) Small Loan, Standard 7(a), Export Express, SBA Express, International Trade, Export Working Capital, Preferred Lenders, International Trade, CAPLines, and Veterans Advantage.
Get in touch with an SBA-approved lender and get your SBA 7(a) loan approved!
