The Most Versatile Commercial Loan Product

Do you want to expand your business or open a new location? Do you want to refinance your existing debt to lower your monthly overhead? Are you tired of paying rent to a landlord and would rather own the real estate you operate your business? Do you want to open a new franchise and need financing to do it?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan may be your answer.

This national loan program designed by the federal government is offered by many national lenders and can be used for a wide variety of business purposes. The SBA offers loan guarantees ranging from 50% up to 90% of the loan amount to reduce the lender’s risk which, in turn, makes securing an approval more likely. The following information is being provided in outline form to simplify the features of the variety of uses for this loan program.

The SBA 7(a) Loan Program’s Four (4) Main Uses:

1. Finance a Start -up Business

• The SBA 7(a) Loan will finance up to 80% of the total project costs which typically includes the equipment needed to operate your business, organization costs, buildout, deposits, inventory, operating working capital and franchise fees.
• The owners’ equity injection must be at least 20% of the total costs and cannot be borrowed money such as a home equity loan.
• Good resume showing experience, transferable skills and/or related education

1. Finance the Expansion of an Existing Businesses

• Use of Funds to finance up to 80% of the total costs which typically includes the equipment needed to operate the business, working capital, buildout, deposits and franchise fees.
• Owners’ Equity injection must be at least 20% of the total costs and cannot be borrowed money such as a home equity loan.

1. Debt Consolidation for an Existing Business

• The funds are used to refinance existing business debt which can include existing equipment leases and loans of all types.
• The refinancing can include existing credit card debt only if the debt was incurred for business purposes and can be easily identified.
• The resulting monthly payment must reduce the total monthly payments of all debt be consolidated by 10%.

Common Criteria, Terms and Conditions for the Three (3) Uses Listed Above

• The collateral for the loan is all business assets. Addition collateral is often required which is typically residential real estate only up to the loan $ amount.
• Good personal credit typically 675 credit score or above10-year loan repayment term.
• Prepayment penalties typically range from 1-4% over the initial term period.
• The interest rate is typically prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal (4.25%) plus a risk premium typically 2.75% = 7%.
• Closing Costs are typically 3% of loan amount. The closing costs are typically added to the amount being financed.
• Timing to close – 90 days which varies with the bank work load & the responsiveness of the borrower. Since it takes time to close the SBA 7(a) loan, advanced planning and attention to detail is required.