What is a SBA Financing?
Small business financing backed by the U.S Small Business Administration is the most affordable way to finance your business. With flexible terms and low-interest rates that are accessible to American business owners and entrepreneurs who have well-established businesses with strong credit history.
An SBA loan is a form of conventional financing that has very stringent requirements, which are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and are issued by authorized lenders such as Cheetah Capital.
With these government-backed loan programs, the Small Business Administration is helping entrepreneurs, veterans, women, and minorities get easy access to lending opportunities by offering banks and private lenders a partial repayment in case the businesses defaults on their payments. Therefore, reducing the risk for lenders translates into flexible terms, low annual percentage rates (APR), low-interest, and low down payments for borrowers.
It is important to remember that the Small Business Administration doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners, instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders.
SBA Loan Programs
There are different types of SBA funding programs for business owners. Deciding which one is right for you, will depend on the goals and needs of your business, its size, and the time operating.
The only two loan programs that are available through GoKapital are the 7(a) and the 504. If you’re looking for other types of SBA financing programs, visit the Small Business Administration’s website by clicking any of the links below.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to expedite the process, you should have certain documents ready before applying for a loan.
Here’s just some of what you’ll need to apply for a small business administration loan:
Signed Cheetah Capital Loan Application
Completed Personal Financial Statement
12 months of business bank statements
2 Years of Business Tax Returns
2 Years of Personal Tax Returns
Year-to-date Financial Statements
Profit & Loss Statement
Balance Sheet
Copy of Recent Credit Score
SBA 7a Loan
The 7(a) is the most popular loan program. The loan amounts on the 7A program could go up to $5 million.
Business owners love it for its long terms and flexibility, and because you can use it to alleviate most of the business necessities—making the loans more manageable for borrowers.
The Small Business Administration 7(a) loan could be used to purchase or lease equipment and machinery, inject working capital into your business, refinance existing debt, purchase an existing business, purchase furniture, construction & remodeling, acquiring real estate, fulfill seasonal inventory demands, and much more.
SBA’s Features
✔ Up to $5,000,000
✔ Funding time: 30-60 days
✔ Lowest interest rates (5%-9%)
✔ Long repayment terms (3-25 years)
✔ Great for Businesses that need working capital
✔ Funds could be used for general business purposes
✔ The most affordable way to obtain financing for your business
Loan Requirements
✔ Credit Score (FICO): Above 680
✔ No recent bankruptcies, tax liens, or foreclosures
✔ Collateral might be required if the loans are above $25,000
✔ The business must be physically located in the United States
SBA CDC/504 Loan Program
The Certified Development Company (CDC) loan was designed for businesses that wish to purchase fixed assets for expansion or modernization such as business equipment, machinery, furniture, or commercial real estate. It requires a low down payment (Starting at 10%) and provides fixed interest rates with long repayment periods.
CDC/504 loans are popular among businesses that are planning to buy or build owner-occupied commercial properties. However, these businesses have to occupy at least 51 percent of the commercial building.
SBA 504 Loan Features
Loan Amounts: Up to $10,000,000
Terms: 10-20 years
Funding time: 30-60 days
SBA 504 Loan Requirements
Business must have a net worth of less than $15 Million
Business must have an average net income less than $5 million after taxes for the preceding two years.
If you’re not sure which loan program is right for you, GoKapital can help. Talk to one of our specialists, and he or she will evaluate your business’ needs, explain the pros and cons of each program, and help you decide which program is right for you. And if your business is still not yet eligible for SBA funding, we will be honored to work together until we secure the much-needed financing.
How can I get a SBA-guaranteed loan?
Cheetah Capital has streamlined the application process for all kinds of funding. Loans secured by the Small Business Administration, however, have a higher threshold for approval than other types of funding. You must be in business for at least two years and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Not every kind of business is eligible; check the Small Business Administration’s requirement list before you apply. You must have no bankruptcies in the last three years and no defaults on government-backed loans. Most importantly, your financial statements must show that your cash flow will support the loan’s repayment.
How long does it take to get an SBA loan?
How can I use the funds?
You can use the proceeds of the loan for short- or long-term working capital, including seasonal financing, construction financing, and inventory. You can also use it to buy equipment or real estate or to renovate existing real estate.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Credit Score: 680+
Time in Business: 2 years
Annual Revenue: $500,000
Additional Requirements
Profitability on Tax Returns: 15% – 30%
Credit History: No recent bankruptcies, charge-offs or settlements
Overdrafts and Negative Days: Less than 5 per year