SBA Loans Explained: Everything You Need To Know

Between its four main loan programs, SBA loan products can be used for most purposes. Borrowers can use loans for expenses, including:

• Working capital
• Fixed assets including equipment and machinery
• Furniture and fixtures
• Supplies and inventory
• Real estate construction, purchases, and upgrades
• Refinancing existing debt
• Exports
• Startup costs

The SBA does not originate business loans. Instead, the agency guarantees a portion of loans offered by partner banks, credit unions, non-profits, and other financial institutions. In the event the borrower defaults, the lender can collect lost funds from the SBA. Because loans backed by the SBA are lower risk, banks, and other partners are able to offer low rates and fees.

However, government-backed loans are not without their downsides. Because they involve a joint effort between multiple institutions, SBA loans tend to have long application processes with a lot of paperwork and lengthy approval times. While SBA partners like SmartBiz have found ways to speed up the process, you will still have to have a fairly strong borrower profile and be willing to wait several weeks or longer to get your funds.

What Are The Types Of SBA Loans?

The SBA offers a variety of loan programs to best fit the needs of a variety of small businesses, from startups to franchises. Before meeting with a lender, determine which SBA loan is right for you. Here are the types of SBA loans your business may be eligible to receive:

• SBA Standard 7(a) Loans: SBA Standard 7(a) loans are the most popular option, providing eligible businesses with up to $5 million to use toward most general business purposes.
• SBA 7(a) Small Loans: These loans are similar to SBA standard 7(a) loans but are available in amounts up to $350,000.
• SBA Express Loans: SBA Express loans are similar to standard 7(a) loans but with an expedited approval process. Borrowers can receive up to $500,000 for most general business purposes.
• SBA CDC/504 Loans: SBA CDC/504 loans can be used for purchasing long-term, fixed assets, including equipment and real estate. Loans of up to $5.5 million are available under this program.
• SBA Microloans: Eligible small businesses and nonprofit childcare centers can apply for SBA Microloans of up to $50,000 through this program.
• SBA Disaster Loans: Businesses that have been affected by a disaster may be eligible for up to $2 million for repairs or to keep their businesses open with SBA Disaster loans.
• SBA Community Advantage Loans: Community Advantage loans provide up to $350,000 for businesses in underserved areas, including businesses owned by women and minorities.
• SBA Veteran’s Advantage Loans: Veterans, service members, and spouses can receive SBA 7(a) loans with lower guarantee fees.
• SBA Export Working Capital Loans: Exporters that need working capital can receive up to $5 million through this program.
• SBA Export Express Loans: This program is tailored to exporters and provides up to $500,000 through a loan or line of credit.
• SBA International Trade Loans: Expanding businesses that export internationally may qualify for up to $5 million for real estate, equipment, and working capital.
• SBA CAPLines: The SBA CAPLines program offers four different lines of credit up to $5 million.

In addition to its excellent loan programs, the SBA provides a number of other resources for small businesses, including the SBA 8(a) program that helps socially and economically disadvantaged businesses qualify for federal contracts.

What Are The Interest Rates For SBA Loans?

The SBA sets limits on loan interest rates their partners are able to charge on a loan. SBA interest rates for microloans, 504 loans, and disaster loans are fixed, but 7(a) loans generally carry variable interest rates.

For 7(a) loans, your interest rate is determined by a base rate (normally the WSJ prime rate) plus a markup. Your interest rate will change when the base rate changes. Consequently, your monthly payments and total borrowing amount might change while you are repaying the loan.

Your interest rate might also vary according to how much you are borrowing. For example, here are the base rates and markups for standard 7(a) loans:

What Are The Fees For SBA Loans?

Along with interest rates, you might be charged other fees by the SBA and its partners. This may include but isn’t limited to:

• SBA loan guarantee fees
• Processing fees
• Packaging fees
• Servicing fees
• Prepayment penalty fees

Fees vary based on factors including the type of loan and the borrowing amount. Your lender should explain any fees that are applicable to your loan throughout the application and underwriting process.

What Are The Repayment Terms For SBA Loans?

Along with interest rates and fees, the SBA sets limits on term lengths and repayment terms.

For general 7(a) loans, term lengths are set at 10 or 25 years:

• 10 years for equipment, working capital, or inventory
• 25 years for real estate

SBA 504 loans carry similar term lengths:

• 10 years for equipment and machinery
• 20 years for land

Microloans and some specialized 7(a) loans have shorter term lengths. For example, the maximum term length for microloans is six years.

Generally, SBA loans are repaid on a monthly basis.

Do I Need A Down Payment Or Collateral To Get An SBA Loan?

To get an SBA loan, the SBA requires that all business owners sign a personal guarantee — an agreement stating that you are personally responsible for repaying the loan if your business no longer can. Any person that owns at least 20% of the business will be required to sign a personal guarantee.

Collateral may also be required in order to secure your loan. In some cases, the equipment or real estate you are purchasing can be used as collateral. In other cases, you will have to put up assets that you already have. Collateral requirements vary by factors including the type of loan, the amount, and the lender’s requirements.

You may also have to pay a down payment to receive an SBA loan. For example, CDC/504 loans require that you pay a small amount (usually 10%) of the cost of the project you are undertaking.

Who Can Get An SBA Loan?

A borrower must meet certain requirements to receive an SBA loan. SBA loan applicants must:

• Have a strong credit score and history
• Operate a for-profit business (although nonprofit childcare centers are eligible for SBA Microloans)
• Be engaged in (or plan to engage in) business in the US or US territories
• Have owner equity to invest
• Have sought credit elsewhere

Businesses in certain industries are ineligible for SBA loans. Ineligible industries include:

• Businesses involved in illegal activities
• Speculation
• Gambling
• Multi-sales distribution (pyramid sales plans)
• Loan packaging
• Investment
• Lending
• Businesses owned by a person on parole
• Charitable or religious institutions
• Government-owned corporations
• Churches
• Consumer & marketing cooperatives

Your SBA partner lender may also have additional requirements that must be met in order to receive an SBA loan.

You will be required to submit financial documents with your application to show that you can repay the loan. Startup businesses that lack required documentation such as prior years’ tax returns will need to provide business plans, industry experience, and other information.

The SBA and your lender will evaluate your credit history and score. Business owners with bad credit will have a hard time qualifying for an SBA loan. Most eligible SBA loan borrowers have a credit score in the high 600s or higher.

If you don’t meet the credit requirements for an SBA loan, you can take steps to improve your credit score to qualify in the future. If you need funding now, you may qualify for funding with an online lender that provides loans for borrowers with bad credit.

Which Industries Get Approved For SBA Loans Most Often?

In 2021, the SBA provided $44.8 billion through over 61,000 small business loans.

A wide variety of industries have taken advantage of these loans, from convenience stores and restaurants to doctor’s offices and daycare centers. Based on data from 2010 to 2019, there are a few specific industries that have been approved and funded through the SBA at higher rates than other industries.

The top industries include:

• Full-Service Restaurants: Full-service restaurant owners received 28,680 SBA loans totaling $10,671,876,233.
• Limited-Service Restaurants: Limited-service restaurants were given 19,141 loans totaling $6,513,491,798.
• Dental Offices: Dental offices also received a high amount of SBA loan dollars with $6,061,534,124 across 10,699 loans.
• Long-Distance Freight Trucking: 8,959 loans worth $1,229,924,828 were approved in this industry.
• Hotels & Motels: Non-casino hotels and motels received 8,618 SBA loans totaling $16,335,235,993.

Is An SBA Loan My Best Option?

The SBA might not be your best option if you need a loan quickly or you don’t meet the requirements set by the SBA and its partner lenders.

Fortunately, if you fall into either of those camps, you have other options. Many of the best small business loans are available to businesses that don’t qualify for a loan from the SBA or banks. Many of these lenders have lower credit score requirements and faster approvals than SBA loans.

How Do I Apply For An SBA Loan?

To receive an SBA loan, you’ll have to demonstrate that you are willing and able to repay your loan. This is proven by submitting documentation to accompany your completed loan application.

Start the SBA application process by applying directly to the SBA’s partner lenders. If you don’t know which lender to apply for, the SBA offers a Lender Match platform, which matches borrowers up with the lenders best suited for their business.

The documents required will vary according to your business and the loan you are applying for, but you can expect to have to submit documents and fill out forms such as:

• Federal business tax forms
• Federal personal tax forms
• Balance sheets
• Profit & loss statements
• AR / AP agings
• Business debt schedule
• Forms about your business and its history
• Project-specific information
• Statement of personal history
• Your resume or CV

Depending on the loan you are applying to receive, you may have to submit additional documentation, including:

• Information on the real estate or business being purchased
• Information on the debt being refinanced
• A business plan
• Income projections

The SBA and the lender will process this information and decide if you’re eligible for a loan. During this phase, you might be asked to submit additional paperwork. Submitting this documentation and responding to the lender in a timely manner will help prevent delays in approving, processing, and funding your loan.

After submission, the lender and the SBA will also evaluate your creditworthiness by pulling your credit score and report.

If you are approved by all parties, the funder will send your loan, and you’ll be able to use your funds for your business.

My Loan Application Was Declined. What Are My Options?

Unfortunately, not every business is qualified for an SBA loan. To qualify, you need a strong credit history and strong financials (or a strong business plan).

If you are denied an SBA loan, your best bet is to apply to an online lender. Although the rates and fees will be higher, online lenders have fewer requirements (and shorter application processes) than an SBA loan.

How Long Does It Take To Get An SBA Loan?

The timeline for an SBA loan varies, but the process generally takes a couple of months.

In addition to requiring a lot of paperwork and documentation, your loan application has to be processed by the SBA and your lenders before your application is approved or denied. These institutions all tend to take a while to process and disburse your loan.

Borrowers looking for $500,000 or less have a couple of options to speed up the process.

Express Loans are 7(a) loans in which the SBA offers an expedited turnaround time. An approval decision is guaranteed within 36 hours. However, processing and disbursement will take several weeks. Additionally, interest rates are higher than standard 7(a) loans, and borrowing amounts are lower.

Another option is to use a lender like SmartBiz, an SBA loan intermediary that offers standard 7(a) loans. This lender uses technology to speed up and simplify the application process to help you get the funds you need in a shorter time.

SBA Loans FAQs

The Bottom Line On SBA Loans

While the process for receiving an SBA loan can be quite lengthy, qualified business owners will be rewarded for their patience with low-interest rates, long repayment terms, and high borrowing amounts.

Although SBA loans may be easier to qualify for than traditional bank loans, not every business will qualify. Before applying, make sure to assess your credit profile and ability to repay the loan, and make sure that you meet all requirements of the SBA.