SBA Loans For Veterans: Guide To Veteran SBA Loan Rates & Requirements

SBA loans for veterans are essential to America’s small businesses. After serving their time in the military, many veterans choose to start a business. In fact, military veterans own about 7.5% of the businesses in the United States. Just like any other small business owner, there comes a time when these entrepreneurs may seek out a business loan, whether it’s for purchasing equipment, expanding the business, or funding a startup project.

SBA loans are among the best small business loans due to their low rates and excellent terms, and the SBA offers even lower rates to veteran business owners. Keep reading to learn about SBA loans for veterans, veteran small business loan rates, and how to apply.

What Are SBA Loans For Veterans?

The SBA (Small Business Administration) is a government organization that assists small businesses, providing education, training, and government-backed business loans. SBA loans for veterans include two main funding programs specifically designated for military vets:

• Veterans Advantage Guaranteed Loan Program
• Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (MREIDL)

SBA veteran loans have lower rates and fees compared to standard SBA loans.

SBA Veterans Advantage Guaranteed Loans

The Veterans Advantage Loan Program is a popular choice for veterans because you can use the loan for most business purposes, such as expanding or acquiring a business, purchasing equipment, working capital, or debt refinancing. The SBA VA loan program includes the SBA Veterans Advantage 7(a) loan as well as an SBA Express Loan for veterans.

Veterans Advantage 7(a) Loans

The Veterans Advantage Loan Program is part of the SBA’s most popular program — the SBA 7(a) Loan Program. When you apply for a Veterans Advantage Loan, you go through the standard SBA 7(a) Loan process (or optionally through the SBA Express Loan process if the loan is for $350,000 or less).

The main advantage of the SBA’s VA loan program is that veterans have access to reduced guaranty fees compared to other borrowers.

One of the most significant drawbacks to an SBA Veterans Advantage 7(a) Loan is the timeline for receiving the money. The application, approval, and funding process can take months in most cases. However, the SBA Express Loan program can provide veterans with faster approval.

Veteran SBA Loan Rates

These are the current rates and fees for the SBA Veterans Advantage Loan Program:

VA SBA loan rates vary depending on the lender issuing the loan and the specifics of the loan in question. The SBA sets the maximum rates SBA-partnered banks can charge for SBA loans, including SBA Veterans Advantage loans. These rates are normally based on the prime rate.

Small SBA Veterans Advantage loans less than $150,000 have a 0% upfront guaranty and no annual service fee. On an SBA Express Loan for veterans up to $350,000, the guaranty fee is still zero, but the annual service fee will apply to loans above $150,000.

VA Small Business Loan Requirements

To qualify for a Veterans Advantage Loan, you must meet the requirements for an SBA 7(a) loan. These include:

• Must run a for-profit business
• Must meet the SBA definition of a small business
• Must prove you can repay the loan
• Must not be delinquent on any debts or have any recent bankruptcies

Learn more about SBA 7(a) loan requirements.

You must also show that your business is at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans in addition to meeting standard 7(a) loan requirements. The SBA definition of veterans includes:

• Veterans
• Active-duty military in the Transition Assistance Program
• Reservist or National Guard member
• Spouse of any of the above, including those widowed because of death during service or from service-related disabilities

How To Apply For An SBA Veterans Advantage Loan

For the SBA Veterans Advantage Loan Program, you must find a qualified lender to work with, such as a bank or credit union.

The SBA offers a Lender Match service that connects businesses with a lender in their area. While some applications can be completed online, lenders generally require a phone call or in-office visit by the applicant.

After getting in touch with a lender, you will need to put together an application. You must be prepared to show that you can repay the loan and operate your business successfully. The application process will require additional documentation, including:

• Business and personal income tax returns
• Financial statements, projections, business certificates, and licenses
• A business plan
• SBA forms such as DD Form 214, DD Form 1173, or a different relevant form

Need an SBA lender? Check out these best SBA lenders for veterans.

Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (MREIDL)

The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is designed to help cover business operating costs while a reservist veteran is called up to active duty. Military reservists and members of the National Guard who face economic hardship during or after a deployment can get the financing they need for their business with an MREIDL.

MREIDL Program Terms, Rates, & Fees

These are the current rates and fees for an MREIDL:

While the SBA does typically require collateral on Military Reservist EIDL, it’s important to note that the SBA will not turn down a loan simply for lack of collateral. Still, the borrower will be required to put up any available collateral, including real estate.

These loans are very attractive to military veterans because of their repayment terms and low-interest rates. SBA Veteran Loan rates for MREIDL are currently capped at 4%. These loans provide the working capital needed to pay necessary expenses; funds cannot be used for income or profit loss, refinancing debt, or business expansion.

How To Qualify For A MREIDL

The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is available to service members, reservists, or National Guard members on active duty.

To qualify, service members must apply for the loan while on active duty or for a period of one year following the end of active service or discharge.

How To Apply For A MREIDL

Contact the Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center via phone or email to obtain an application for the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

Additional SBA Resources For Veteran-Owned Businesses

In addition to the two loan programs, the SBA also provides a variety of resources to give veterans the tools they need to succeed in business. SBA training programs for veterans include:

• Boots to Business
• Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program
• Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program
• Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training Program

The SBA also offers government contracting opportunities for military-owned businesses. You can visit the SBA’s website for the specifics on these SBA veteran resources and others.

Note that the SBA does not offer any grants to veterans. However, you can find other business grant options in our guide to the best business grants for veterans.

Which SBA Loan Is Right For Your Veteran-Owned Business?

Generally, the following is true:

• A Veterans Advantage Loan (SBA Veterans Advantage 7(a) loan or SBA Express Loan for veterans) is best for veteran business owners who are no longer active in the military or are transitioning out of active duty. Military spouses who own a business are also eligible.
• A Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan is best for service members who own a business but have been called up to active duty, and their business is suffering as a result.

If neither of these SBA loan types for veterans match your needs, one of these (non-SBA) best small business loans for veterans may be a better fit.

FAQs About SBA Business Loans For Veterans