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SBA Approved Lender

SBA Loans
Complete Guide

Unlock your business potential with comprehensive SBA financing solutions. Compare SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans to find the perfect funding for your business growth.

$5M
Maximum SBA 7(a)
$5.5M
Maximum SBA 504
90%
SBA Guarantee

What Are SBA Loans?

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are government-backed financing options designed to help small businesses access capital when traditional bank loans aren't available. The SBA doesn't directly lend money but provides guarantees to approved lenders, reducing their risk and making them more willing to lend.

Lower Interest Rates

SBA loans typically offer lower interest rates compared to conventional business loans, saving you money over the life of the loan.

Longer Repayment Terms

Extended repayment periods of up to 25 years for real estate purchases, allowing for lower monthly payments and improved cash flow.

Lower Down Payments

Reduced down payment requirements, with some programs offering as little as 10% down for real estate purchases.

Government Guarantee

The SBA guarantee (up to 90%) provides lenders with security, making them more willing to approve loans for small businesses.

Flexible Use of Funds

Use loan proceeds for various business purposes including working capital, equipment, real estate, refinancing, and business acquisitions.

Support Small Business

Specifically designed to help small businesses grow and succeed, with programs tailored to different business needs and industries.

Ready to Explore SBA Loan Options?

Let our SBA loan experts help you find the perfect financing solution for your business needs.

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SBA 7(a) vs SBA 504: Complete Comparison

Understanding the differences between SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans is crucial for choosing the right financing option for your business. Each program serves different purposes and has unique advantages.

SBA 7(a) Loan

General Purpose Business Financing

Loan Amount

Up to $5 million

SBA Guarantee

Up to 90% for loans under $150,000
Up to 85% for loans over $150,000

Repayment Terms

• Working capital: Up to 10 years
• Equipment: Up to 10 years
• Real estate: Up to 25 years

Down Payment

Typically 10-15% (varies by use and borrower strength)

Best For

Working capital, equipment purchases, business acquisitions, refinancing, and real estate (when 504 isn't suitable)

Key Benefits

  • • More flexible use of funds
  • • Faster processing time
  • • No job creation requirements
  • • Can finance 100% of working capital needs
  • • Simpler structure

SBA 504 Loan

Real Estate & Equipment Financing

Loan Amount

Up to $5.5 million (higher for manufacturing and energy projects)

SBA Guarantee

40% of project cost via SBA debenture at below-market fixed rates

Repayment Terms

• SBA portion: 10, 20, or 25 years
• Bank portion: Typically 10 years
• Fixed rates on SBA portion

Down Payment

As little as 10% for owner-occupied real estate

Best For

Owner-occupied commercial real estate, major equipment purchases, and business facilities expansion

Key Benefits

  • • Lower down payment for real estate
  • • Below-market fixed rates on SBA portion
  • • Longer amortization periods
  • • Preserve working capital
  • • Build equity in real estate

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature SBA 7(a) SBA 504
Primary Use General business purposes Real estate & equipment only
Maximum Amount $5 million $5.5 million
Interest Rate Variable or fixed Fixed on SBA portion
Job Creation Not required Required (1 job per $85k)
Processing Time 30-60 days 60-90 days
Prepayment Penalty Possible on larger loans Yes, on SBA portion

Choose SBA 7(a) If:

  • You need working capital or general business funding
  • You're acquiring an existing business
  • You want more flexibility in how funds are used
  • You need faster processing times
  • You can't meet job creation requirements

Choose SBA 504 If:

  • You're buying owner-occupied real estate
  • You're purchasing major equipment or machinery
  • You want the lowest possible down payment
  • You prefer fixed-rate financing
  • You can create or retain jobs

Eligibility & Application Process

Understanding the requirements and application process helps ensure a smooth path to securing your SBA loan.

SBA Loan Eligibility Requirements

General Business Requirements

  • Must be a for-profit business operating in the United States
  • Meet SBA size standards (typically under 500 employees or specific revenue thresholds)
  • Business must be in an eligible industry (most businesses qualify)
  • Have invested own equity in the business
  • Exhaust other financing options before applying for SBA loan

Personal Requirements

  • Good personal credit score (typically 680+ for best terms)
  • Demonstrate good character and management experience
  • No delinquent obligations to the U.S. government
  • Owners with 20%+ ownership must personally guarantee the loan
  • Must work full-time in the business (for most loan types)

SBA Loan Application Process

1

Preparation & Documentation

Gather all required documents and prepare your business plan.

  • • 3 years of tax returns (personal & business)
  • • Financial statements and cash flow projections
  • • Business plan and loan purpose statement
  • • Legal documents (articles, contracts, leases)
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
2

Lender Selection & Pre-Qualification

Choose an SBA preferred lender and get pre-qualified.

  • • Research SBA preferred lenders
  • • Submit pre-qualification application
  • • Review preliminary terms and conditions
  • • Get initial approval decision
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
3

Formal Application Submission

Complete and submit the formal SBA loan application.

  • • Complete SBA Form 1919 or lender application
  • • Submit all supporting documentation
  • • Pay application fees if required
  • • Respond to any additional requests
Timeline: 1 week
4

Underwriting & SBA Review

Lender reviews application and SBA provides guarantee approval.

  • • Lender conducts credit analysis
  • • Property appraisal (if applicable)
  • • SBA reviews and approves guarantee
  • • Final loan terms negotiated
Timeline: 2-6 weeks
5

Closing & Funding

Sign loan documents and receive funding.

  • • Review and sign all loan documents
  • • Obtain required insurance policies
  • • Complete any closing conditions
  • • Receive loan proceeds
Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Required Documentation Checklist

Financial Documents

  • Personal tax returns (3 years)
  • Business tax returns (3 years)
  • Financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet)
  • Cash flow projections
  • Bank statements (3 months)
  • Personal financial statement

Business Documents

  • Business plan with loan purpose
  • Articles of incorporation/organization
  • Business licenses and permits
  • Lease agreements or property deeds
  • Purchase agreements (if applicable)
  • Insurance certificates

Ready to Grow Your Business?

Our SBA loan experts are here to guide you through every step of the process. Get pre-qualified today and discover which SBA loan program is right for your business.

Fast Pre-Approval

Get preliminary approval in 24-48 hours

Expert Guidance

Work with experienced SBA loan specialists

SBA Preferred

We're an SBA Preferred Plus lender

(555) 123-4567
sba@saviranchcapital.com