What is an SBA 7(a) Loan? How Do I Apply

 

7(a) loans are typical loan programs that U.S. Small Business Administration provides to businesses with special requirements. It is notably the best loan for businesses when real estate becomes part of the purchase. Still, businesses can also use it for short-term and long-term working capital, purchasing furniture, fixtures and supplies, and refinancing current business debts. The maximum SBA 7(a) loan that businesses can seek is $5 million, and eligibility depends on what the business does to generate its income, operation area of the business and credit worthiness history.

 

You can apply for SBA 7(a) loan when you are operating a small business as defined by the SBA, and your business is operating for profit. Besides, eligibility includes one business operating intending to operate within the United States, and you have good invested equity. Also, you can be eligible if your business has used alternative financial resources, including personal assets, before seeking financial assistance, demonstrating the need for the loan and your business requires the funds majorly for sound business purposes. When your business certifies these requirements, you can apply for the loan by gathering all essential documents; then, you work with your local lender to start the process within the SBA guidelines (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2022). You will proceed to complete SBA Form 1919 and submit it to the SBA participating lender. Also, the application process includes a background check that you will satisfy by completing SBA Form 912, a statement of personal history and SBA Form 413, which contains the personal financial statement aspect. These will help SBA and other stakeholders to assess one’s eligibility. Moreover, you will have to submit a profit loss statement and projected financial statement to prove your ability to repay the loan. Other requirement includes a business license or certificate, resumes and business lease. Fulfilling all these requirements will guarantee you to get SBA 7(a) loan.

Reference

U.S. Small Business Administration, (2022). 7 (a) loans. Retrieved 23 April 2022, https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans